Insider provides intriguing update on Leafs' deadline plans

Some insiders have reported the Leafs won't trade Matthew Knies or their first round pick, others have reported they will and others have said they only will if the right deal comes along. Today, Elliotte Friedman was on "Leafs Morning Take" and revealed what he thinks the Leafs will be doing when it comes to the deadline. He started by saying that when Jake Muzzin was injured, the Leafs pivoted to finding a defenseman to replace him stylistically, but because of how well their D corps has played, he believes the Leafs are now leaning towards acquiring a forward instead.

The Leafs reportedly checked in on Hawks' defenseman Jake McCabe, but are not interested in paying the supposed asking price of a 2nd round pick and prospect for no retention or a first round pick for 50% retention. Friedman also mentioned that the Leafs could look at acquiring Timo Meier for the playoffs and because he is an RFA, look to flip him at the draft to recoup some of the assets they would lose if they acquired him. If they were to do that, that would be smart asset management on the part of Dubas.

Friedge pointed to the New Jersey Devils as the Leafs' biggest rival in the Timo Meier discussions. The Devils are rumoured to have significant interest in Meier and Friedman is not sure that the Leafs will be able to match the offer that New Jersey is capable of putting together.

The idea that the Leafs could conceivably acquire Meier at the deadline, utilize him on their hopefully lengthy run and then turn around and flip him to recoup a lot of the assets they gave up to get him is such an interesting proposal. In that sense, parting with 1st round picks or top prospects might not be such a worrisome venture, considering they'd be likely to obtain similar pieces if they opt to move him out prior to July 1st to a team who has the space to extend him.