The Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking to tinker with their team ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. Here is everything you need to know in one place.
The team of contributors at editorinleaf.com have been busy analyzing the landscape of the NHL in order to provide the most comprehensive coverage of the Toronto Maple Leafs anywhere on the web.
This is your source for up to date information, editorials, and analysis on everything to do with the Leafs as they approach the Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline.
If you’re looking for a breakdown of the Leafs strengths, needs, and editorials on possible fixes, including finding ideal trading targets. Here is everything you need to know about the Toronto Maple Leafs leading up to the 2020 trade deadline.
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Breaking Down the Jack Campbell and Kyle Clifford Trade
Things were no longer the status quo when Mike Babcock was replaced in favour of Sheldon Keefe.
While the team adopted new philosophies, it needed a greater personnel change to really be successful. The first adjustment to the on-ice product came in the form of a late-night trade that brought the Buds a pair of Los Angeles Kings.
We graded the deal and determined its winner once all the details were made public about Trevor Moore being shipped to LA in exchange for Jack Campbell and Kyle Clifford.
Who the Leafs Should Avoid
Not every trade is a good one and some players may mislead the casual fan.
Though they might seem tempting, Toronto needs to do its homework and avoid a big-name player on the Minnesota Wild. The same is true about avoiding trading with the Nashville Predators.
There are traps that Kyle Dubas needs to navigate his way through, but by the playoffs, the team hopes to ice their optimal lineup.
Even if the Leafs don’t manage to make any big deals prior to the postseason, there’s no reason for them or the fanbase to panic.
Injuries
Injuries have been a big downfall on the Leafs success this season. While fans need to take a deep breath, there is no doubt that the loss of high-quality talent to the IR has impeded the Leafs ascension through the standings.
There have been too many players who have been hurt this year. It’s hard to win games without deploying their best players. Ilya Mikheyev lacerated his wrist and Morgan Rielly has a fractured foot. Both men have and will continue to miss significant time.
Those are only the current injuries. There have been many more throughout the season.
It’s not all bad news. Frederik Andersen appears to be ready to return and there is an interesting upside to Cody Ceci being on the injury reserve list.
The Blueline Needs Help
One common element that continues to haunt the Maple Leafs is their poor defensive play. In order to help address this need, the Leafs should upgrade their blueline. This might not be a simple task if defensive options are slim at the deadline.
There are however names that continue to be floated. Josh Manson of the Anaheim Ducks, Sami Vatanen of the New Jersey Devils, Jonas Brodin of the Minnesota Wild, Brenden Dillon of the San Jose Sharks, and there was even some suspicion that Dion Phaneuf could be interested in a return to Toronto.
The Leafs should be looking to make a trade soon so long as the additions they seek aren’t a bad idea.
Rumours
Dubas will continue to do everything he can to improve the team. Sometimes this means that there is truth behind some of the rumours floating online, but often the news is just fabricated.
This makes determining the odds of each member of the team being traded that much more difficult.
The Leafs certainly have their shopping list for the deadline and some believe that they need to go big or not bother at all.
In recent days they have been linked to a plethora of players from around the league including Blake Coleman and even Joe Thornton.
There is still a number of days before the deadline. Check back here frequently to learn everything you need to know about every Toronto Maple Leafs move.