Maple Leafs face considerable challenge in trade market this season

"The Maple Leafs' exciting win on Tuesday night will hardly paper over the problems the team is facing. In particular, the lack of top-six forward talent is one thing killing the team. Beyond Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies, Toronto just doesn't have enough firepower to keep up with up-and-coming teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings. Plus, better-than-expected seasons from the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins have made the Atlantic Division a little more challenging than usual."

"But as Maple Leafs insider Darren Dreger noted, there's one hitch in the trade market that could make it hard for Toronto to find what they're looking for. He stated: "We know that Treliving would love to add another top six forward, maybe two top six forwards; the Leafs' cupboard is not as stocked; the type of playmaking player that Matthews needs...isn't available." Dreger's comments, as heard on the December 16 edition of Early Trading, underscore the woeful lack of supply on the trade market this season. Just about every team in the league is turning over stones for top-six forwards. Yet, just about every team in the league is clinging to what they've got."

"The sad reality of playoff contenders is that they end up depleting their draft capital and prospect pipeline in search of veteran help. Over the last decade, roughly, the Maple Leafs have done just that. Botched trades like the Nick Foligno deal or the Brandon Carlo trade sent first-round picks away for little in return. Most recently, the Scott Laughton trade gave away another first-rounder, further compromising the Maple Leafs' future."

Toronto lacks sufficient top-six forward depth beyond Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies. The team struggles to match the scoring punch of rising clubs like Montreal and Detroit. Strong seasons from Tampa Bay and Boston have intensified competition within the Atlantic Division. The current trade market offers very few pure top-six playmakers, and most clubs are unwilling to move those assets. Toronto's depleted draft capital and weakened prospect pipeline reduce trade leverage and limit options to acquire proven scoring reinforcements. Without a desperate trading partner, adding needed top-six forwards appears unlikely.

Read at Editor In Leaf