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Auston Matthews Could Have a New Linemate Soon as the Maple Leafs Prepare Trade Offers
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is dealing with the fallout of Mitch Marner's departure from the franchise, and he needs a new linemate on his right side.
Mitch Marner was traded to the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Monday, and in the aftermath of this deal, the Leafs are looking for some new right-wingers.
While they did trade for Matias Maccelli, he is mostly going to play in the middle six. It is highly unlikely that they would pair him on the first line with captain Auston Matthews.
Thankfully, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is reporting some positive news out of Toronto. Simply put, the team is going hard for a trade right now.
Also on the Leafs, they will continue to peruse the trade market for a top-six winger, preferably someone who can slot on the right side of Auston Matthews.
One player who remains intriguing is Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins. With general manager Kyle Dubas threatening to blow things up, a Rust trade is a real possibility.
However, the Maple Leafs are going to have to really shell out some assets to make it happen. Unfortunately, they are pretty low on assets right now.
Rust has three years left on his contract and will see his full no-movement clause expire at the end of June 30, leaving him without any no-trade protection.
There is already plenty of interest out there and with Pittsburgh in sell mode, he could be had but will command a high package if the Penguins part with him.
There is already plenty of interest out there and with Pittsburgh in sell mode, he could be had but will command a high package if the Penguins part with him.
Either way, it is good to see that general manager Brad Treliving is at least trying. He wants to make things happen, and if he keeps this up, the Leafs will be in a good spot come September.
Trading for good players is not always easy. But the Nicolas Roy trade is proof that the Maple Leafs can get crafty when they need to.
Worst case scenario, the Leafs could always put William Nylander on the top line next season.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 6 | 610 ANSWERS Auston Matthews Could Have a New Linemate Soon as the Maple Leafs Prepare Trade Offers Do you believe Auston Matthews will score 60 goals next season? | ||
| YES | 282 | 46.2 % |
| NO | 328 | 53.8 % |
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