Top Insider Links $68 Million Center to the Toronto Maple Leafs

Throughout the NHL offseason, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was on the verge of desperation while trying to find a middle-six center.

While he ultimately got one in Nicolas Roy, there were better players available. Guys who could even play on the second line, or god forbid, the first line if Auston Matthews were to get injured.

Unfortunately, the market was thin, and with the Leafs lacking assets, there wasn't an opportunity to make a huge swing. Instead, it became clear that Treliving would have to wait for the regular season to start.

In a new report from Chris Johnston, it is being said that players like Pavel Zacha, and even Bo Horvat could become available during the midst of the season.

In fact, Johnston linked Horvat to the Toronto Maple Leafs, as the center fits a very specific need that the Leafs lack. He is a center who can get you 60 points per season. Not to mention, in his limited playoff experience, he has been an absolute beast.

Horvat currently plays for the New York Islanders, where he is entering the third year of his eight-year, $68 million deal, which pays him $8.5 million per season.

This is a significant cap hit and it would cost the Toronto Maple Leafs a whole lot of money and assets to make it happen. Cap space would need to be cleared immediately.

Ultimately, this is a wait-and-see move. This is not something that is imminent. Instead, it is a slight possibility that some analysts are getting ahead of themselves.

If anything, this could be a great deadline move that would push the Toronto Maple Leafs into Stanley Cup contender territory.