4 “Doable” Trades for the Maple Leafs at the 2023 Trade Deadline
As we approach the 2023 trade deadline, there are a lot of players out there who could help the Toronto Maple Leafs make a deep playoff run.
There are four players in particular who the Leafs should be targeting: Ryan O’Reilly, Jonathan Toews, John Klingberg, and Luke Schenn. Here’s why:
1. Ryan O’Reilly – O’Reilly is one of the best two-way centers in the league, and he would be a massive addition to the Leafs’ forward group. He’s a strong offensive player who can also shut down opposing teams’ top lines. O’Reilly is the best version of Patrice Bergeron, not named Patrice Bergeron, with some sandpaper. Plus, he’s a proven playoff performer, having won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. (He’s a FA next year and wants term on his next contract, but it’s “do-able” if Mark Giordano makes him sign for the league min;))
Would Ryan O'Reilly fit on the Toronto Maple Leafs? @JDBunkis @FriedgeHNIC
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2. Jonathan Toews – Toews is another elite center that would be a massive upgrade for the Leafs. He’s a strong two-way player who can contribute both offensively and defensively. Plus, he’s a proven leader and has won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. Adding him to the Leafs’ lineup would give them a HUGE to the Leaf’s 3rd/4th lines PK and POOP. (Final year of his 10.5m/yr contract)
3. Jacob Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes – Chychrun is a top-pairing defenseman who has emerged as one of the best options for the Leaf’s back end. He’s the best 2-way two-way player available at the deadline who can contribute offensively and defensively. At just 24 years old, he’s already established himself as one of the top defensemen in the league, and he’s tough as balls. Adding him to the Leafs’ blue line would give them a young, talented defenseman who can be a vital piece of the team’s core for years to come. Of course, the Leafs would have to give up something significant to get Chychrun. (Will want long-term extension $$$)
4. Luke Schenn – Schenn may not be the flashiest player, but he’s a hard-nosed defenseman who would be a great addition to the Leafs’ blue line. He’s a physical player who can clear the front of the net and make life difficult for opposing forwards. Plus, he’s got plenty of experience playing in the Eastern Conference, having spent time with the Flyers and Lightning. (Tocchet loves him, but the Leafs need him to beat the shit out of his former Tampa teammates in the first round)
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All four of these players would be massive additions to the Leafs’ roster, and they would address some of the team’s most significant needs. O’Reilly and Toews would give the Leafs two elite centers who can play in all situations, Chychrun would be a massive upgrade on defense, and Schenn would add some much-needed physicality to the blue line. If the Leafs can make a move for one or more of these players at the trade deadline, they MIGHT get out of the first round!
The Maple Leafs need gritty players who’ve been there before. Guys who can impart the wisdom and vibe of a winner to a core group of Maple Leafs who haven’t made it out of the first round since Twitter was invented.
Klingberg is a long shot. Toews and O’Reilly are VERY doable, and Schenn would be a HUGE addition to a soft(er) backend for a playoff run.
No half measures, Mr. Dubas. trade for all of em, FFS.
