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A Colorado Avalanche Center is Now on the Toronto Maple Leafs' Radar
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in urgent need of a center to solidify their lineup ahead of the trade deadline.
While Brad Treliving is facing challenges due to limited assets to put in a trade, a new name has surfaced that could be a long-term solution and it's Casey Mittelstadt of the Colorado Avalanche.
Could Casey Mittestatd be a good trade target for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Mittelstadt was acquired by Colorado from Buffalo in a trade for Bowen Byram at the 2024 deadline, but hasn't quite fit into Jared Bednar's system.
According to Frank Seravalli, both players are already on the trade block and it's hinting at some unsatisfaction with the surprising one-for-one swap.
"Given that both Mittelstadt and Bowen Byram are on our Targets board, it's fair to say that neither side has been enthralled with the one-for-one swap that was one of the true surprises of Deadline 2024.
Casey Mittelstadt is at least under contract for two seasons after this one, so he would provide a little cost certainty moving forward.
He just hasn't quite been a fit, or as productive, in Jared Bednar's lineup and we're told the Avalanche are willing to shake things up if they can find the right deal."
Casey Mittelstadt is at least under contract for two seasons after this one, so he would provide a little cost certainty moving forward.
He just hasn't quite been a fit, or as productive, in Jared Bednar's lineup and we're told the Avalanche are willing to shake things up if they can find the right deal."
Despite a dip in productivity, Mittelstadt brings the skills Toronto needs which are scoring, playmaking, solid at faceoff and playing on the power-play.
This season, he scored 9 goals and 23 assists in 54 games and had a big amount of shot volume which is something the Leafs' third line desperately needs.
Here's how a trade could look:
To Toronto Maple Leafs:
C Casey Mittelstadt (25% salary retained)
D Oliver Kylington
C Casey Mittelstadt (25% salary retained)
D Oliver Kylington
While giving up Easton Cowan is hard, his NHL potential remains uncertain despite his upside.
Nick Robertson is in need of a fresh start and could thrive in Colorado with the departure of Mikko Rantanen.
Topi Niemelä is a small defenseman who hasn't found his place in Toronto's system and could also benefit from a change of scenery.
Adding Oliver Kylington gives Toronto some defensive depth since they have an injury-prone blueline, then Kylington is a cost-effective option at $1 million and offers solid insurance heading into the playoffs.
But he can potentially sacrifice key pieces of the Leafs' future, but if it helps Toronto having postseason success, then it could be a gamble worth taking.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 6 | 213 ANSWERS A Colorado Avalanche Center is Now on the Toronto Maple Leafs' Radar Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should make a trade to upgrade their blue line and their center depth? | ||
| Yes | 184 | 86.4 % |
| No | 29 | 13.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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