The Toronto Maple Leafs could land a franchise defenseman from division rival, the Buffalo Sabres, if the stars align.
In particular, this trade idea focuses on Sabres’ captain Rasmus Dahlin. Last season, reports surfaced around the club, suggesting that Dahlin wanted out. The 25-year-old publicly denied the rumors. But there might be a kernel of truth to them.
So, assuming that the rumors do have some inkling of truth, the Sabres could be forced to part ways with their captain amid unhappiness about the club’s futility. Perhaps Dahlin would be willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to one of the league’s biggest markets.
If that’s the case, here’s what the proposed trade could look like:
Maple Leafs get:
Rasmus Dahlin, D
Sabres get:
Morgan Rielly, D
Easton Cowan, F
2028 first-round pick
This deal would also be contingent on Rielly waving his no-trade clause. There’s reason to believe he would, as playing his entire career in Toronto could have gotten to Rielly. So, the emotional and psychological toll of the pressure from the Toronto media and fanbase could prompt Rielly to head to a more laid-back market.
As for including Cowan, there’s a high probability that the Sabres insist on a high-end prospect. After all, Dahlin is considered among the NHL’s best young defensemen. That’s why the price tag could include a high-end prospect.
Meanwhile, the 2028 first-rounder would also be included as part of the package. The Maple Leafs don’t have first-round picks in 2026 or 2027. So, it would have to be the 2028 selection heading to Buffalo.
Dahlin Instantly Elevates Maple Leafs’ Blue Line
Questions have surrounded the Maple Leafs’ blue line for years now. Few consider Rielly as a true number-one defenseman. While he’s a solid defender and great puck mover, he doesn’t compared to other elite-level D-men.
So, adding Rasmus Dahlin fits that bill. Dahlin could be among the next wave of young rearguards who could land a Norris Trophy. When looking at his numbers, he could get there sooner rather than later.
The Swedish blueliner is 25 and already has over 500 games of NHL experience under his belt. He put up his career-best numbers in 2022-23, scoring 15 goals and 58 assists for 73 points. Last year, Dahlin put up 17 goals and 68 points. A respectable total, when considering that he topped the 20-goal mark in 2023-24.
As such, Dahlin would be the true number-one defenseman the Maple Leafs have not had since the days of Tomas Kaberle.
Dahlin Could See an Opportunity to Win in Toronto
Dahlin’s biggest frustration has been playing in Buffalo, a team that’s going on 15 years since its last playoff appearance. Again, he has publicly denied that this is the case. But then again, the Sabres don’t look poised to return to the postseason any time soon.
By landing in Toronto, Dahlin would have an opportunity to win. Yes, it’s debatable whether the Maple Leafs are a Stanley Cup contender. But at the very least, Dahlin would have a shot at playing in the postseason.
That’s something that could appeal to him, particularly after seven tough seasons in Buffalo.
Maple Leafs Land Franchise D-Man in Massive Swap Idea