So far, so reasonably good for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team have gone into the Four Nations break sitting second in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. They’re just a few points behind the Florida Panthers but have a couple of games in hand. Out of 55 games, they’ve won 33, lost 20 and drew two.
The trade deadline is approaching, and the Leafs are looking for a center to help them gain an edge in the race for the Stanley Cup playoffs and, more importantly, the Stanley Cup itself. Currently, most online Canadian sportsbooks have the Edmonton Oilers as favourites to win the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes not being far behind. But can the Maple Leafs make it if they find the right center?
Below is a look at the trade deadline, why the Leafs want a center, and 10 centers they might target for the job.
Gunning for a center
Time is beginning to run out for the Maple Leafs. The trade deadline is less than a month away, on March 7, and some teams have been using the Four Nations break as an early deadline to get their teams in order.
A center would be a good acquisition for the Leafs, who have lost six games out of nine games in regulation. Injury has hampered the team as well, but their regulation time losses have highlighted a clear problem: a simple north/south style that leaves them with little offense.
So, who might the team target?
Ryan O’ Reilly
The Nashville Predators are looking to offload Ryan O’Reilly, who has played for the Leafs before and would have amazing insight into the team. O’Reilly was on the team when it won its only playoffs round in 2023. Although he still has two years to go on contract, he doesn’t have trade protection, so they might want to swoop in before deadline day.
Scott Laughton
The versatile Philadelphia Flyers man can play in the middle or on the flank. After a recent 10-day absence, Laughton netted a goal and chalked up a helper in the team’s win over New Jersey. Laughton still has a year to go, and the Flyers are in no hurry to get rid of him. If the Leafs could make a mind-blowing offer, they might want to talk.
Noel Acciari
Pittsburgh Penguins man Noel Acciari is another play who could reunite with the Leafs. Acciari served the team in the 2022-23 season and the playoffs. He has a playoff-perfect playing style and likes getting physical, as his high hit count indicates.
Kevin Stenland
Kevin Stenland, of the Utah Hockey Club, is a bruiser of a player, standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 211 lbs. The 28-year-old is a right-shooting center and offers the Leafs size and secondary shooting. In 40 games, for 11 points he has seven goals and four assists.
Brock Nelson
Brock Nelson, of the New York Islanders, is hot property right now. The 2C is almost scoring for fun on a team not renowned for its attacking prowess. Several teams may be looking at him. If the Leafs want him, they’ll have to pay a high price tag. In spite of it, he’ll be a worthy acquisition.
Nazem Kadri
Calgary Flames man Nazem Kadri is sure to be someone the Leafs will consider. In his first 36 games this season, he posted 25 points. There may be some considerable shuffling around to accommodate a Kadri move to the club financially. Kadri’s style of play would be an asset to the team, and he also knows how to handle the media. The team may want him to work on his temperament though, when he arrives.
Trent Frederic
The Boston Bruins are sporting an unenviable goal differential in the minus 20s, so they’ll be looking to trade. Trent Frederic is one man the Leafs might make a play for. Frederic is a big guy, at 6’3” and 220 lbs, but moves well for his size and can really damage teams in the forecheck. More importantly, he posts a lot of points in short spaces of time.
Yanni Gourde
The Seattle Kraken’s Yanni Gourde has got experience by the bucketload and, as a defensively strong player, is a nuisance to play against. His checking is tenacious, and he knows how to pop in a goal or two at playoff time.
Nick Bjugstad
Another right-shooting center from Utah Hockey Club, Nick Bjugstad is worth considering to lower the team’s costs but still get bang for their buck. Bjugstad is another towering player, hitting 6’6” in height, and will provide a different look to the lineup.
Casey Cizikas
Casey Cizikas, of the New York Islanders, won’t be top of the list when it comes to hunting offensive players, but he has a physical game and is good at winning faceoffs. The 33-year-old has notched up 91 hits so far this season.
Although there’s still time before the trade deadline, March 7 is fast approaching. The Maple Leafs need to think hard not only about what the team needs, but also about how much they’re prepared to spend on a trade center.
