4 Players the Maple Leafs Should Target at the Trade Deadline

[@gaboliva9594]

Love your energy Jesse. I really like the Gourde idea. What he brought to Tampa during their back-2-back was unreal. This guy is a hard-nose little ball of energy. There isn't enough to say about Yanni... plays on PK, shuts down top-end offensive weapons, and knows how to play with elite talent (which he hasn't in Seattle). This guy is the ultimate team player and he's leading by example. Gourde would be my #1choice all day. It's the perfect match.

[@WarriorStrengthFitness]

My Number one center target would be Boone Jenner out of Columbus. I know he is hurt right now, but he is signed for this year and next. Super physical, hardworking. Can be a #3C or play on the wing on the top 2 lines. Current captain also. He would be a huge add to the Leafs. The exact type of player they are missing in that middle 6. Thoughts on that Jesse?

[@martinslezak9664]

As a Jackets fan - great suggestion but very little chance of this happening.

[@markdepaolis5271]

Nick bjugstad would be a perfect fit

[@depressean8295]

Think Jake Evans would be a godsend for the leafs. Physical Center, kills penalty as good or better than basically anyone in the league, his defensive zone faceoff numbers the last couple years are insane, and this year he's found some offense, 10 goals, lots of shorthanded goals, great playoff player, he's paid almost nothing too. He might cost the leafs a little cause I don't think the Habs are eager to part with him, but he's fairly young, can play decently anywhere in the line up, has some size, some skill, some pace. Great all round player and unreal on the PK. if the Habs really want a big pay day on him might not be worth it but could be an option if some of the other guys go off the board

[@__._._-_._.__]

No ones talking about it but imo Laughton would be a great option if not the best. He’s Tough, good defensively, great centre man and been around for a while. I’d rather him over frost anyday.

[@RVLTR]

Yeah Laughton is sounding more and more like a decent pick up.

[@Mdness1234]

Thanks for sharing my response from Twitter Jesse I appreciate it! Too bad I butchered my paragraph 😅

[@paoloricci4569]

Gourde , trochek or even Cizitkas would be good centre options, I also think brandon Tanev would be a great mid to lower 6 wing option, hes a berube type player

[@qqqspx]

How come I found this channel just now… 😂 subbed

[@evanb4784]

The better answer than anything provided is Jake Evans. Outside the powerplay he has 1 fewer point than nylander this year. He can produce that without big names so you can run him with depth guys and he will produce. Top used PK forward in the league as of today onn a top 10 PK 1.7 million so with some fenagling they could potentially have more cap if they do some retentions. Stanley cup finals experience. Also unlike a few of the guys listed still in his prime. Also Granlund is worse than domi defensively so if matthews is back granlund doesnt fill a matchup centre role that evans can.

[@gcollier46]

As long as Kemp and Robertson are in the mix

[@chadrichards6607]

You can’t get something for nothing I swear leaf fans think all the other 31 GMs are idiots

[@oldhab7890]

Jesse you are right about Kadri - I like how realistic about where the other side is in the standings and what it would take to trade a player. Brock Nelson would be a good target if the Islanders are willing to trade him for draft picks and/or Easton Cowan. This trade would signal to me that the Leafs are not going to sign Marner. Gourde is too small if the Leafs are serious about the playoffs. Same problem with Granlund.

[@Jack.W86]

Gourde was an integral part of back to back cups tf are you on?

[@oldhab7890]

@ He was on teams that won Cups but he is 5 years older and still too small to be on a team that plays small

[@Jack.W86]

@@oldhab7890 watch a game dude, leafs don’t play small this year

[@Iambetterthanyouanduknowit]

You can’t trade Cowan, his value is in the toilet after the world juniors, let him finish the season and compete for the mem cup and then reassess

[@420StonerComedy]

I'd really like to hear what you think granlund would realistically go for

[@paoloricci4569]

Scott Laughton would be a great fit

[@mikev880]

Vinny Trochek would be the best add

[@biffstrong1079]

I really like Trochek but he's 31 with four more years after this at $5.625 million a year. You have to trade Domi and Jarnkrok to make the cap work. He's had a couple 75 point plus seasons, one 30 + goal season and he could play at the top of the line-up. Big upgrade over Kampf. Rangers and Trochek are in a valley right now so good time to trade for him. Rangers make that deal though and they admit they are done this season.

[@GamerPastHisPrime]

Granlund or Nelson would make me very happy.

[@philipl8989]

I think Gourde make sense for a short fix. But if they ready to extend with the trade, I belive Nelson is the one to go for.

[@britishbulldogca7648]

Ha ha ha....you said "short" fix refering to Gourde...that's cold...

[@philipl8989]

@@britishbulldogca7648 haha yes 😆 He's 33 and seem to be more of a third C atm. Works this year. But I think Toronto would prefer Tavares as third C moving foward, hence Nelson could fill a 2nd C position for a couple of years. But obviously, this is just dream land for Toronto ;)

[@sloopins982]

my most likely and most wanted target is nick bjustad

[@moparfreak2791]

I could get on board with this big guy shoots right he is just a little older than i was hoping for

[@brolo3644]

Nik Bjugstad - Alex Tuch

[@justburnerratically]

We should bring back Ryan O’Reilly, he fits Berube system perfectly.

[@BORRZZ]

He doesn't wanna play in Toronto

[@justburnerratically]

@@BORRZZ He clearly didn't wanna play for the previous coach, I'm pretty sure he'd be more than happy to play for Berube again.

[@BORRZZ]

@justburnerratically Hope ur right I'm not against it

[@paoloricci4569]

Rielly, Robertson, Kampf , jarnkrok, steeves, 2nd and 3rd For GOURDE, TANEV LARSSON

[@ariccua6101]

Has Nelson played with JT on the Island? And I mean on the same line.

[@shawnoneill3041]

Probably on the PP

[@killianlane9480]

But Ron Francis has already said he is not trading Yanni gourde, and honestly I think it’s more likely that if he is traded, it’s back to Tampa.

[@TheCrockerShow]

PK Subban wasn't for trade until the day he got traded.

[@Gl-my8fw]

It dosent matter what he said.

[@rickyaz8640]

Francis never says anything

[@keithball6480]

How can you be so naive? Do you really think a GM would say publicly say what players he going to be traded? Time to grow up and not believe everything you read or what is said.

[@CelabWilliams-gb6rm]

As kraken fan let’s see if we can fleece the leafs first. If it’s anything less than a stellar deal in our favour you keep him. The pacific is just weak enough if he hits a streak we could make the playoffs. And the maple leafs are the maple leafs. Should always be getting the absolute most from them.

[@dangshnizzle6929]

Holy Toews

[@jesseyules]

I think Treliving will want a centre over 6 feet tall.

[@glennmckenzie9903]

Yani Gourde is too small! And 5mil for a projected 12 goal scorer is crazy!

[@odeszaa]

As a hardcore Canucks and leafs fan I don’t see miller fitting in Toronto and Toronto doesn’t have the assets van need like defenseman or a 2nd liner

[@salianni16]

Would they take Morgan Rielly? Still a relatively young player and a BC boy as well! He can be Quinn Hughes's defense partner and he makes a little less than J T Miller so the money part would cancel itself out.

[@shaunchappell784]

​@@salianni16 why would Toronto trade their number 1 d man?

[@Mrunlucky0000]

Jt would be cool, but he won't come to toronto. Apparently, he will wave no move to go to ny

[@paoloricci4569]

Minten for Mactavish

[@matthewbriggs7998]

Jake evans Scott Laughton

[@jayedwards3188]

the leafs dont need a center man as much as you guys claim...they have mathews....tavares...dewer...kamf....lorrentz... domi...marner and nylander can play center...minten...as soon jancrock should be back...leafs are actually pretty deep on center

[@angrydalailama6089]

Suppose Jonathan Toews is healthy. Wouldn't you rather put him at your your third line center spot? I could be biased but I've never thought much of Brock Nelson. He won't be cheap and I don't see a significant contribution. Steady? Probably. Worth the expense? I doubt it.

[@Thegentelmansclub929]

No Scott Laughton ????? He’s the best defensively and can produce

[@starburst1241]

The Jets are going to steal these guys

[@deltagolavista1]

Toronto’s assets are paper thin. The team’s two best prospects in Cowan and Mittens ceiling are 3rd line players and won’t fetch as much as Leaf fans think (especially after Cowan’s showing at the World Juniors). Why over pay for the sexy names when a player like Ryan Donato would be cheaper and a good fit on the third line? If not him, take a flyer on Isaac Lundstrom from the Ducks.

[@itsnotcolby]

Just dont think frost is all that realistic unless ur giving up a minten or topi + pick. Frost is a 2/3c right now and has been a decent player throughout the last few years. I think Scott Laughton is FAR better for the leafs, he fits the brub style of play is a strong 3c and has spend time playing 2c for phili. 3m for this and next season. You could very likely pay a bit more and get a 50% deal. Fla 2nd + mid pick for a 1.5 3c who can play some 2c while AM is out. Would be dirt cheap at 1.5 next year (or even 3m) and would give minten an extra year before you expect him to take the 3c role, Laughton also has spent time on the wing so easily could slide over if minten is ready. It also would make someone like cale very moveable or even laughton in a package if minten is ready next year. That + a decent RD is were I would go after that you would easily have a strong FWD group (when healthy) with basically 4 full lines. U could even slide marner down to laughtons wing with Robertson or McMan and let Knies AM Domi play and Paches JT and wily stay together. 4th line could be any mix of cale (when healthy) Mcman robertson lorentz kampf reaves holmberg and dewer. (would assume at least 1 or 2 of those guys gets moved for assets this TDL tho)

[@lancepayne4035]

The Leafs pay top guys to much money to be able to get to much, I think if they can even make it work I see Scott Laughton or Morgan Frost up front and Luke Schenn on defence . That is about all they can get.

[@roberttrifts2737]

I have no understanding of why you dismissed Ryan O Rielly out of hand. He is LESS EXPENSIVE than Granlund - and a better player; indeed, a MUCH better player. Yes, I am concerned RoR didn't want to re-sign in Toronto; however, as it turns out that RoR has no trade protection? And he will have to come to Toronto if Trotz trades him? That's good enough for me (And yes, despite the propaganda Trotz has mentioned to Pierre LeBrun, namely, that the Preds are not going to sell older players? Yeah, that's a lie aimed at increasing the price the Preds can get for their veterans-- nothing else). The best fit is the guy we had (who got hurt) and then left. It's RoR.

[@fatherfriendmentorstevenbr9950]

Jonathan toews

[@CanadianBigMek]

They need a D partner for Reilly and a 3rd line center, Morgan Frost for 3rd C Find someone for Reilly to complete the D.

[@tr41l3rp4rkb0ys]

They need to get rid of rielly but gave him a NMC so great job leafs

[@WarriorWomp]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Jack McBain.

[@brandonhall9959]

Good physical center.

[@salianni16]

There's another player that the Leafs can now add to their shopping list. It's Jonathan Toews. He may be old and a little rusty but he is a former Cup champion and an excellent leader. He can be had for the right price and they won't have to give up any players to get him. Even at less than 100% efficiency, a Leafs team with Matthews, Tavares, and Toews at C with the right linemates on the wings would be tough for any opponent to beat 4 out of 7 games.

[@ImmortalWombat]

He's 56 years old

[@salianni16]

@@ImmortalWombat That's only in dog years!

[@keithball6480]

Well if you going to sign retired players...why not Sundin, Gilmour , Sittler or Keon?

[@biffstrong1079]

Middle six center? hmm Leafs have zero cap space. Nazim Kadri is Calgary's 1st line center, he's old and makes 7$ million a year for five years. Can't. Won't. Nope. JT Miller 8$ million a year 31 years old for six years. Again a first line center. Who do you trade? Nylander? Morgan Frost (35 GP 7 G 18 PTS) $2.1 One of the few young players the Flyers have. Crazy to move him. Who do you give up to get him? Knies (37 GP 11 G 19 PTS)? Brock Nelson $6 million. What picks and prospects do you give up? Trade Kampf, plus a first and Topi Niemela? Yanni Gourde- Isn't he a winger? $5.166 million, has had a series of bad offensive years. The 33 year old scored 20+ with Tampa Bay twice and with seattle once. Is he better than Calle Jarnkrok or just more of the same. He has taken the third most faceoffs in Seattle and he's around 50%. Probably can get him for a second round pick, but again probably have to send out Kampf or someone to make the money work. Doable but is he an upgrade? Mikael Granlund would be a nice one year plug in. He's 32, one year left at $5 million. He had 60 points in 69 games last year and 35 in 39 so far this year but he's playing on the first line and has talented line-mates. On the third line in Toronto he'll have none of that and recently in lesser roles he has produced 41 points in 79 games. He'll be a playmaking center with no shooters. Good player. San Jose should try to get a first from someone for this guy as a rental. How does Toronto make the CAP work? I'm telling you Christian Dvorak is your guy. Last year of a contract. Great in the face-off circle 55.5%. $4.45 million. Montreal retains half, take a second and the injured Calle Jarnkrok and his hernia off your books.

[@Jack.W86]

Nylander for JT are you drunk? Nylander is worth more than him and boeser combined

[@biffstrong1079]

@@Jack.W86 No Im asking who of value do the Leafs have to trade for JT Miller. It's marner nylander ior matthews, No one else is good enough and covers the cap hit. Miller is 31 and makes 8 million a year for 5 more years. You trade a youngster for him and you start closing that leaf window. That said he has six plus 20 goal seasons and last three years three 30 + goals seasons. He has that elusive 100 point season Marner has been running after and a 99 point season. His last five seasons he has been a point a game or better. He has 25 points in 28 games this year despite his struggles. So when I hear JT Miller in trade rumours I don't understand how it is supposed to work.

[@gcollier46]

Please Please say David Kemp 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@RVLTR]

Trade Tavares and some picks for MacKinnon. MacKinnon wants out of Colorado and wants a legacy. Winning a Cup with Toronto would make that legacy happen. I know its very unlikely but one can dream lol.

[@Smf7161]

Dewar, Holmberg, Robertson, Benoit, and Timmons, all trade bait material! None of these players will help the team, get past, Boston and/or Florida. More size and toughness mandatory, for playoff success this year! GO LEAFS GO!!!!

[@NylanderHas5StarDragonBalls]

Who/what is pushing the needle to get Seattle to want to move Gourde and why to Toronto out of all places? We only have low-mid value picks and prospects minus Cowan who’s already had his value docked due to that abysmal World Juniors. And if we had a player on the roster that they wanted that badly to give up Gourde, it’s probably best to just keep that guy on the team. Besides, Yanni Gourde is not a piece the Leafs should be looking as their “Big Add” unless they get multiple guys of his caliber like Tampa did in 2020. They need a real live driver in the bottom 6, not a guy that is a really good complimentary piece. Like no matter how much Steve gasses up players who made their careers by being good in the Bubble when nobody really cared, if you tell me “Leafs got Yanni Gourde at the Trade Deadline” you better be ready to tell me what else because that’s just simply unacceptably not enough if they for some reason think we’re contenders.

[@boberickson-b2m]

They should get Both of them Why foul around, My reasoning is when Toronto picks up Players at the trade dead line that player usually gets hurt it's Highly unlikely both will get Hurt lol it's called Depth players

[@BangHeadShotDed]

Pens fans are like HUH???

[@markwigle6502]

Elias lindholm

[@generalimlerith8356]

No chance you’ll get Kadri from us lol

[@markwigle6502]

Mark sheflie

[@shirleydaley5335]

Oh if Chris says So lmao

[@bobknight6394]

why not a 1st line center!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@brianblak14]

They already have matthews you dumbas😂

[@182kramer]

Yanni Gourde seems a good option

[@gordonbgraham]

Jordan Greenway and Jake Evans. Neither will cost Minten or Cowan, both can play hard minutes, bump Robertson for Lorentz on the Domi line. Give Matthews until the playoffs. Pick up Shenn with the extra cap space. Viola...playoff type roster without giving up the farm.

[@DeletedUser015]

Toews

[@chadrichards6607]

With what cap space are they getting miller ? You think they’re gonna retain salary? 😂😂😂😂 someone should have gotten you a calculator for Christmas

[@Jack.W86]

Use your ears brother he said it wasn’t going to happen

[@Rubber_Duckie18]

Nobody wants kadri he didnt do anything for the Leafs for the last 2 playoffs he was with the team so no he can go else where

[@paoloricci4569]

Rielly needs to be traded , at 7.5 mil he cant defend or QB a PP , Adam Larsson ,would be a great replacement Or go big and sen rielly robertson prospect for Ekblad

[@skyborne80]

For a player of JT Miller's stature the Leafs would probably have to give up something along the lines of Knies, Minten or perhaps Cowan, a 1st round pick and a salary dump, and I think that's too expensive. So yeah, that's a pipe dream if ever there was one.

[@johnqsack]

Dude talking like he's an insider. Fake it until you make it 👏

[@dimitri71121]

Nobody wants kadriiii he’s a walking red flag

[@hamzaaziz7492]

Bring Naz home.

[@ChuckStagg]

As usual Leafs will go cheap !!!

[@Lightspeed-eo6nw]

syDnEY CroSbY…sorry we have a lot of challenged Leafs fans.

[@NovaSupernova]

No to Gourde. We already have a few of those in Dewar and Robertson. Move one of them to center.

[@Rooz247]

Bring Naz home