Toronto Maple Leafs linked to $52 million center amid early-season struggles

If one thing is clear about the Toronto Maple Leafs right now, it is that the team needs to make a trade of some sort. They are not having a good time right now, especially as they sit sixth in the Atlantic Division.

The offense has been solid, but the defense has been an unmitigated disaster so far. A center could help their cause, especially one who is responsible on the defensive end.

In fact, according to Elliotte Friedman, there is one center who might be available this season, who was of great interest to the Maple Leafs at the deadline last season.

That center is none other than Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues. The Leafs had him at the top of their list last year, but they never got it done. Why? Well, Schenn had a no-trade clause, and he wanted to go on a playoff run with the Blues.

Now that the Blues are last place in the Central Division, their odds of making the playoffs are slim. As a result, Friedman believes Brayden Schenn is much more vulnerable to a trade.

If you are a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, you would probably love to have Schenn on this team, even if he is in the midst of a $52 million deal.

The Leafs would have to move some money around to afford him. But given what Schenn is capable of, it might just be the right thing to do. Last season, he even had 50 points.

Overall, the Maple Leafs also need a right-handed puck-moving defenseman. Those do not grow on trees, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Leafs could make something like that happen.

Whatever the case may be, the Leafs need to make a move, and the fans are waiting on Brad Treliving to do so.