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Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Trade Deadline Targets And Needs

By Wilbert Timmermans

TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his game winning goal at 13:10 in overtime to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Qualification Round prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 07, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his game winning goal at 13:10 in overtime to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Qualification Round prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 07, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 14: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators  (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 14: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators  (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Bram Diamond

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a good spot heading into their 31st game of the season. With the April 12th trade deadline looking, Kyle Dubas and his staff have some serious decisions to make with the current roster.

I believe that the biggest priority for management right now should be trying to improve the forward group. The Leafs have always been known for their forwards, but this is the first year of the Matthews era where the defense does not need significant upgrades.

The team has their top 5 forwards, they just need a 6th guy. Forwards such as Filip Forsberg, Nick Foligno, Mikael Granlund, Rickard Rakell and Kyle Palmieri have all been linked to the team. I believe any of those players can improve the top six significantly.

However, Nick Foligno is unlikely to be available, the Columbus Blue Jackets are still very much in contention for a playoff spot in the Central Division. However, Forsberg and Granlund (Nashville), Rakell (Anaheim, and Palmieri (New Jersey) are more likely to be available.

Whilst the acquisition of Forsberg might be slightly more difficult due to the remainder of his term and the value on his contract, he would be an excellent fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which potentially could be for next season as well if Nashville retains salary in a potential deal.

Palmieri would be an easier fit with his contract expiring after the season and would likely be cheaper to bargain for at the trade deadline compared to Forsberg, the Devils have a new young core to build around.

It will be more than interesting to see what Dubas will do in the coming days to address the Toronto Maple Leafs roster.

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