Top 3 Centres Toronto Maple Leafs Should Trade For

The Toronto Maple Leafs have great depth down the middle, but don’t be surprised if they look to acquire another centre by the NHL Trade Deadline.

Over the past few seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs have continued to add to the centre-ice position at the deadline. Whether it was Tomas Plekanec or Brian Boyle, the team went out and acquired an established professional to play on the fourth line.

It was definitely weird to see the long-time Montreal Canadiens player, Plekanec, dress in the Blue and White with Toronto, but he was a great presence on the team. He scored two goals and added four points in seven playoff games, before ultimately being on a team that fell short in Game 7.

Boyle played a very similar role to Plekanec. He only added two assists in six playoff games with Toronto, but he did provide one of the best memories in recent years. Boyle had the primary assist on Kasperi Kapanen’s double overtime goal in Game 2 against the Washington Capitals, which sent Leafs fans into a frenzy.

Both Boyle and Plekanec provided a ton of leadership to a team that didn’t have much, so it’ll be interesting to see what direction this year’s team goes. They already have a wealth of experience, so they could be fine with adding a younger player.

Regardless of who they add, it’ll be a bottom-six player, as the team already has Auston Matthews and John Tavares up front. By all accounts, Alex Kerfoot is on his way out, based on how Pierre Engvall has played lately, so his $3.5M cap-hit could be used to help acquire a better player, or one who fits this roster better.

Although the Leafs have been mostly linked to a left-winger, don’t be surprised if they search for a centre as well.