Toronto Maple Leafs trying to acquire a bottom six forward but one thing continues to hold up the deal

On this week's Monday episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman noted that the Maple Leafs had interest in adding forward Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks.

Vatrano, 28 years old, can bring a finishing element and plays as a spark plug in the bottom six. He paced for around 20 goals a year, and has a bit of a clutch gene - Vatrano scored 7 game winning goals in the 2020/21 with the Panthers. Perhaps Vatrano could bring the «killer instinct» the Leafs have been looking to cultivate.


While the fit makes sense, Friedman shot down the possibility of a trade immediately. With Vatrano making $3.6M, and even at half-retained, the Leafs could not fit his contract.

However, Maple Leafs' interest likely will not stop there. Being unable to accommodate Vatrano's contract, look for the Leafs to add a similar player on a cheaper contract - a player that can bring bottom six scoring and some killer instinct.