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Maple Leafs linked to $65 million center, but the trade price is too high


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Alexander Cole
February 3, 2026  (11:01)
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St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena.
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to put some talented players on the roster, and according to one insider, a St. Louis Blues center is on the table.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to make the playoffs this season, they are going to have to make some major additions to the roster, and that won't be easy.
Overall, Brad Treliving has his hands full as general manager, and based on recent reports, it seems a lot more likely that the GM chooses to be a seller.
Having said that, fans are very excited about the deadline, and there are already reports flying around about who the Toronto Maple Leafs might target.
In fact, Elliotte Friedman recently came out and stated that Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues is someone that the Leafs might covet.

The Toronto Maple Leafs can't afford Robert Thomas

As it stands, Thomas is in the middle of an eight-year, $65 million deal that pays him $8.125 million per season. It's a lot of cash, and the Leafs would be taking on a major contract.
According to Michael Augello, the Maple Leafs can probably forget about Thomas. He is a second-line center who has proven that he can get you a point-per-game.
With that being said, Augello believes the price for a guy like this would be Matthew Knies. The Leafs would not be super enthusiastic about giving up Knies, under any circumstances.
For Maple Leafs fans, Knies remains the future of the team. They can't foresee him going anywhere else, and for very good reason.
With that in mind, we highly doubt Thomas becomes a Leaf before the end of the season. If the price is right, then perhaps they think about it.
Until then, the Maple Leafs should pursue various other trades, as there are plenty of interesting options available.
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Maple Leafs linked to $65 million center, but the trade price is too high

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