Friedman believes the Leafs could potentially swing a deal for a pair of Canucks
Today, Elliotte Friedman talked about two Vancouver Canucks that are reportedly on the market and he mentioned the possibility of the Leafs being interested in both.
J.T. Miller and Luke Schenn are both players that are being shopped. They're both on team-friendly deals and have another year on each of their contracts, so neither would be rentals.
Miller is tied for 14th in NHL scoring with 53 points in 50 games this season. A top-6 left wing is not the most urgent need for the Leafs but is on their list if they can afford one - and with John Tavares and William Nylander struggling as of late, Miller could help rejuvenate that line. Rick Dhaliwal has already confirmed that the Leafs called reached out to the Canucks on Miller as well.
The 28-year-old is a skilled but feisty player who would fit in nicely in the Leafs' system. He plays a style that fits playoff hockey and he put up a good performance with the Canucks in the bubble. He also can play both wing and centre, providing extra insurance if one of Matthews or Tavares went down with an injury in the playoffs. If the Leafs can somehow get their hands on Miller, it would make what is already one of the best offenses in the league even better.
Meanwhile the Leafs are also rumoured to be in on their 5th overall pick in 2008, Luke Schenn. Schenn is having a great season for the Canucks after he won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Schenn plays a hard-hitting, physical style that is essential for playoff hockey. He plays a similar style to Ilya Lyubushkin but makes less money and is signed through 2022-23.
Getting both Miller and Schenn from the Canucks would be an excellent haul for the Leafs and would get them closer to a Stanley Cup than what they are now. The Leafs would likely have to give up players from both their active roster and prospect pool, as well as some draft capital, but if there's a deal to be made, the two would be great fits in Toronto.
