Top insider links $28 million top six winger to the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in desperate need of a top-six forward to play with Auston Matthews, and it seems like there is an option on the Nashville Predators.
Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies have been struggling as of late, and some of these struggles can be attributed to the lack of help on the right wing.
The team has been forced to rotate wingers throughout the lineup, and it has not worked out in the team's favor. No one seems to be the right fit.
For general manager Brad Treliving, the only solution is a trade. There aren't many guys available, and it is ultimately why nothing has gotten done.
However, there is at least one forward who could be available as the Nashville Predators continue to struggle. That player is Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Marchessault.
Jonathan Marchessault could be the fit for the Maple Leafs
According to Pierre LeBrun, Marchessault is a player who is no longer happy in Nashville, and his production proves it. He has just 10 points in 28 games, with a -18 rating.
At $5.5 million per season, he has the kind of salary that the Leafs wouldn't mind eating if it means a player with a track record of scoring 50 points per season joining the top line.
One can argue the last thing the struggling Leafs need is another aging player. But hear me out. The Leafs don't have many assets to trade. For the Predators, this would be more about moving the remainder of the contract; three more seasons after this one at a $5.5 million cap hit.
The Leafs would still have to trade assets, but it wouldn't be as costly as other trade targets they've looked at.
Marchessault, 34, would have to consent via his full no-movement clause, but I wouldn't be surprised if he would consider the Leafs, where he would get a top-six role skating alongside either Auston Matthews or John Tavares.
Again, I can see how some Leafs fans just want the whole thing rebuilt now and no more trades for veterans. But with the team not having its first-round picks in 2026 or 2027, and the standings still very tight, general manager Brad Treliving isn't ready to wave the white flag just yet.
The Leafs would still have to trade assets, but it wouldn't be as costly as other trade targets they've looked at.
Marchessault, 34, would have to consent via his full no-movement clause, but I wouldn't be surprised if he would consider the Leafs, where he would get a top-six role skating alongside either Auston Matthews or John Tavares.
Again, I can see how some Leafs fans just want the whole thing rebuilt now and no more trades for veterans. But with the team not having its first-round picks in 2026 or 2027, and the standings still very tight, general manager Brad Treliving isn't ready to wave the white flag just yet.
Unfortunately, for the Leafs, they would have to give up quite a bit for Marchessault, as the Predators know Toronto is desperate.
It is a move that would take lots of consideration, but could be a smart play as the Leafs try to get themselves into playoff contention.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 476 ANSWERS Top insider links $28 million top six winger to the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you believe Jonathan Marchessault would be a good fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 257 | 54 % |
| NO | 219 | 46 % |
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