The Maple Leafs aren’t planning any blockbuster moves ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline, with GM Brad Treliving taking a cautious approach to the market.
One thing’s crystal clear: the team’s top prospects aren’t going anywhere. Treliving won’t part with either Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten, according to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun.
It’s a smart play to hold onto these young talents, but it does make deal-making trickier.
The Leafs have been eyeing players like Brayden Schenn and Brock Nelson, but they’re not desperate to land a big name. They’re looking at more practical options – guys like Scott Laughton, Jake Evans, and Nick Bjugstad who could strengthen their forward depth without breaking the bank.
They’ve got some trading chips to work with. Their most valuable asset is probably Florida’s second-round pick – not exactly a golden ticket, but enough to land someone like Laughton or Evans.
The team’s also keeping an eye on defenseman Michael Kesselring, and there’s buzz about a possible play for Detroit’s Vladimir Tarasenko.
Minten’s already proven he can hang in the NHL. He’s likely to be wearing the blue and white full-time next season.
As for Cowan? He’s more of a question mark, but the kid’s got something special. His offensive flair and ability to get fans out of their seats is exactly what Toronto loves to see.
The clock’s ticking, though. While Treliving doesn’t need to make a splash, standing completely still isn’t an option either. The team needs help – they just need to find it without mortgaging their future.
