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Insider Makes a Bold Guarantee Regarding Maple Leafs' Trade Deadline Plans

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Ryan Smitheram
January 7, 2025  (10:14)
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TSN's Chris Johnston reported on Monday that he expects the Leafs to make a substantial upgrade to their forward group ahead of the trade deadline.

It has been no secret that the Leafs and GM Brad Treliving are scouring the trade market ahead of the trade deadline for an upgrade to their forward group. The primary focus? A center with term.

The Leafs have been linked to a pair of veteran centers in Brock Nelson and Yanni Gourde, but it was previously thought the Leafs would not be willing to pay the asking prices of the Kraken and Islanders. The consensus was that the Leafs would be looking for a bottom-six center with Auston Matthews on the top line and rejuvenated John Tavares on the second line.

According to Chris Johnston on Monday's episode of 'The CJ Show', however, he expects the Leafs to go after a significant upgrade to their middle-six, meaning a center that can play on the second or third line.

"There are very few guarantees in life, but I'm willing to offer you one: The Leafs will acquire a middle-six center before the trade deadline passes at 3 p.m. ET on March 7. It's a need management identified months ago. As for who it will be? The market of available players hasn't taken enough shape yet to allow us to identify the top candidate. But the Leafs have the picks and prospects needed to make that kind of addition, and they have the desire, too."

Not only have the Leafs been linked to Nelson and Gourde, but they were linked to Philadelphia Flyers pivot Scott Laughton for the third straight year, by The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta.

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, as well as the 4 Nations Face-Off, trade activity is sure to pick up sooner than in years past and the Leafs could very well be the team to start the ball rolling.

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Insider Makes a Bold Guarantee Regarding Maple Leafs' Trade Deadline Plans

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