The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be buyers ahead of the trade deadline for another playoff push.
Toronto needs another top-six forward, as the Maple Leafs still truly haven’t replaced Mitch Marner. Although Toronto doesn’t have a ton of assets, the Maple Leafs will still be aggressive.
NHL insider and analyst Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report named the Maple Leafs as a potential landing spot for Boston Bruins star forward Pavel Zacha.
“The Maple Leafs are still trying to fill the void at right wing on their first line following Mitch Marner’s departure,” Richardson wrote. “They could slot Zacha at left wing and move Matthew Knies or Bobby McMann to right wing. However, they lack sufficient cap space, first-rounders, and prospects to entice the Bruins.”
Zacha is in the third year of his four-year, $19 million deal with the Bruins, so given Toronto would have another year-and-a-half, the price to acquire him would be high.
So, the Maple Leafs likely wouldn’t have the assets to acquire him, but Toronto would be wise to at least check in on Zacha.
Zacha has recorded 2 goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 14 games this season.
Bruins Listening to Trade Calls on Zacha
With Boston expected to be near the bottom of the standings, the Bruins will likely be sellers before the deadline.
Zacha is one name that will have a ton of interest, and it appears the Bruins are open to acquiring him. James Murphy of RG.org had a source tell him that Boston is listening in on Zacha.
“They’re definitely listening on Zacha, (Casey) Mittelstadt, and other players, but it’s more knowing their options should they be out of the playoff race by American Thanksgiving or the New Year,” the source told RG. “The management staff and the coaching staff have let the players know that they still believe in them, so we will see where this goes.”
Zacha has been an impact player for the Bruins for years, and if he is indeed going to be traded, he will have several teams interested in him.
Maple Leafs Trying to Play More Sound
Toronto has been off to a slow start, but got a big road win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
The Maple Leafs’ struggles have come in the defensive end, and star forward Matthew Knies said the team has been cheating on offense.
“We’re too eager to play offense right now. Everyone’s getting below the goal line, and we’re getting beat up ice. We gotta play structured. Have a good F3 and not allow those rushes,” Knies said postgame. “Just not cheating for offence. Not leaving the zone too early. Our skill comes out when we’re doing the right things.”
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube, meanwhile, thought the team started slow but did like the team’s performance.
“I thought we were a little slow at the start, but we got to our game. We played more direct tonight. Our forecheck was good, our offensive zone play was good, and our PK was really good tonight. We had a lot of people contributing in the game, and our goalie was really good,” Berube added.
The Maple Leafs will return to the ice on Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Maple Leafs Named as Landing Spot for $19M Forward From Division Rival