Quick Shifts: Should the Maple Leafs trade for a forward too? - Sportsnet.ca
If Muzzin's recovery is stalled, Dubas would be wise to consider using some of that cap space to poke around the forward market as well. Let’s look at candidates.
The Dream: If Filip Forsberg or J.T. Miller legitimately become available, Toronto should be aggressive. Either would instantly turn the Leafs’ second line into a nightmare.
Dubas has explored a Forsberg trade in the past, but now that he’s on an expiring deal, pressure is on Nashville GM David Poile to get his signature on an extension prior to March 21. Keeping such a talent as an “own rental” would be a risky gambit for a team considered a second-tier contender.
No one would blame the Canucks for holding onto their best forward, but sooner or later, Vancouver’s refurbished front office must make its tough decisions. It’ll be more expensive to buy Miller for two playoff runs as opposed to one.
The Complicated: The Maple Leafs have reportedly inquired about pending UFAs Claude Giroux and Max Domi, as well as breakout Chicago winger Brandon Hagel.
While no one doubts Ontario native Giroux will be changing addresses this month and will make some contender better, the veteran can dictate where he lands. At this point, Colorado, Florida and New York seem to have a leg up.
Domi should be available, too. But we’re not fans of the fit here. The onetime 28-goal-scorer has struggled to carve a meaningful offensive role in Columbus. The expectations of Domi joining his dad’s old team when his game is uneven could be overwhelming.
No wonder Dubas is intrigued by the 23-year-old Hagel. He’s pumped in 17 goals and is a bargain $1.5-million cap hit through 2024. So why in the heck would new GM Kyle Davidson get rid of him? I bet he stays put.
Out west, Reilly Smith and Rickard Rakell are fascinating options. With Vegas skidding, do the Knights bring back Mark Stone to the rescue off LTIR? If so, they’ll need to clear cap space, and playoff-tested Smith is in the final year of his deal.
Dubas should be more interested in Anaheim’s expiring defenders, Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson, but left-winger Rakell (15 goals) is worth a look.
The Canadian Division: Kevin Cheveldayoff wasn’t planning to be a seller, but the Winnipeg Jets are losing steam.
Potential rentals Paul Stastny and Andrew Copp both play a brand of hockey built for the postseason and could improve a contender’s middle six.
We’re fans of depth wingers Tyler Motte in Vancouver, Artturi Lehkonen in Montreal, and Nick Paul and Cup winner Zach Sanford in Ottawa. None of these role players will break the Internet, but they could chip in with impactful plays when it matters.
