GM Brad Treliving Confirms that the Maple Leafs are Trying to Address a Clear Roster Need
Per Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, the team is looking to bolster their roster in one very specific area of need.
Auston Matthews didn't reveal too much when he spoke to the media on Saturday after returning from Germany, but did reveal that he may be back in the lineup on Wednesday.
While Matthews is set to return, the Leafs are still without Max Domi, David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok, all of which can play down the middle.
With Domi, Kampf and Jarnkrok still out with various injuries, the Leafs have been forced to give Fraser Minten an opportunity to center the third line and rely on Steven Lorentz and Connor Dewar to take over responsibilities down the middle on the fourth line.
In an sit-down interview with The Athletic and Pierre LeBrun, Treliving was asked about exploring the trade market and if there is a need to add somewhere in the lineup.
Treliving revealed to LeBrun that he is looking at adding a piece or two down the middle to solidify the depth of the Leafs at center so they do not have to rely on the likes of Minten and less experienced centers as they deal with all of their injuries up front.
Although Treliving hinted that he would like to add a center, he is not rushing or increasing his efforts despite the injuries, because making a rash decision can often come back to hurt a team in the long run.
After Sunday's victory over the Utah Hockey Club, the Leafs have moved to 7-1 without Matthews in the lineup, and if they get him back on Wednesday, as projected, it will give Treliving much more time to evaluate where the forward depth stands. It will also give him the opportunity to properly assess Minten's progress and whether or not he deserves a longer look with the team.
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