Since the turn of the century, the Toronto Maple Leafs have finished the NHL season atop their division (whatever it may be defined as) only once. In the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season the Leafs finished with a 35-14-7 record to claim top spot in the North Division. The result was a first-round playoff loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
This season, the Leafs are once again teasing their fans with the hopes of something special. Currently battling the Florida Panthers for the Atlantic Division and the Washington Capitals for Eastern Conference supremacy, the Leafs have the potential to make a deep run to the Stanley Cup. Although Auston Matthews has been battling injuries, for the most part, the team has been healthy and has all the right pieces in the right places.
With the March 7 trade deadline creeping up, it’s safe to bet that the Leafs will be looking to explore adding that one missing piece (whatever it may be) to help them make a push toward the Stanley Cup, an honor that has been void since the 1966-67 season.
The Leafs are one of the most popular NHL teams to bet on throughout the hockey season and with each step closer to a championship, fans are bound to see an increase in sportsbook bonuses in Canada. Should the team be successful in acquiring one (or more) of the following five players, they will certainly add to the excitement of a potentially long playoff run.
Yanni Gourde – Seattle Kraken
The two-time Stanley Cup winner could be one of the more popular names on the trade market this year, assuming he is willing to waive his modified no-trade-clause. Providing the Leafs with depth as a third-line centre, Yanni Gourde would supply Toronto with a presence both on and off the ice.
A two-way player who is capable of finding the back of the net, Gourde has recorded at least 30 points in the past eight seasons.
Rasmus Andersson – Calgary Flames
This would be a blockbuster deal that would see the Leafs give up on their future in order to win now. Acquiring Andersson, who has one year left on his 6yr / $27.3 million deal, would provide Toronto with a top-line defenseman.
However, in doing so, the Leafs would have to potentially give up one of their top prospects, a young player, and a couple of draft picks. The Flames, who find themselves in a battle for a Wild Card playoff berth in the Western Conference, would certainly be willing to explore moving a veteran for players who can help build their future.
Ryan Strome – Anaheim Ducks
Currently in the third year of a five-year deal, adding Ryan Strome as a middle-six forward would be something more than a rental for the Leafs. In order for Toronto to make this deal happen, they would likely have to give up a young farm system player or two and/or possibly a late draft pick.
While the Mississauga, Ontario native has only once topped 20 goals in a season during his twelve-year career, he could still pay huge benefits as a veteran on a team with young stars. His addition might even tilt the odds in favor of a deep playoff run.
Scott Laughton – Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers’ gritty forward isn’t exactly a lamp-lighter, but he is the blue-collar type player who could help push the Leafs to the next level. With one year remaining on his 5-year / $15 million deal Scott Laughton’s name has been on the trade market for a while now.
The question is, will the Flyers be willing to trade within their own conference and would the Leafs be willing to potentially part with a first-round pick to get the Oakville, Ontario product in their jersey? Bringing Laughton on board could help solidify their lineup for high-stakes wagers during the postseason.
Ryan O’Reilly – Nashville Predators
It may have only been a thirteen-game regular season and eleven-game playoff stint during his time in Toronto during the 2022-23 season, but Ryan O’Reilly played well enough to have left an impression on his teammates, management, and fans that many would like to see return.
A sixteen-year veteran, O’Reilly helped the St. Louis Blues to the 2018-19 Stanley Cup, something that he could very well do as a member of the Leafs. Although he decided to sign with the Predators as a free agent in order to be closer to family, returning to a familiar environment and playing for a contender may be a bigger draw than ending his career with a rebuilding team. Fans could soon be placing their bets on his impact if the Leafs manage to bring him back.
