The Toronto Maple Leafs should trade their first-round pick this year in order to make a big splash this offseason.
As it currently stands, the Toronto Maple Leafs have three picks in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, including the 25th overall pick.
I understand that you need draft picks to develop in your system, but why do the Leafs need any picks this year? What is the 25th overall selection or a seventh round pick really going to do for them for the 2022-23 or 2023-24 season?
Absolutely, nothing.
NBA team’s mortgage the future every single year to win NOW and the Leafs need to have that philosophy. Auston Matthews is a UFA in two seasons, so this team needs to think about finally winning a playoff series and building an unbelievable roster around him, so that he wants to sign his extension as early as next offseason.
The Leafs already tanked, rebuilt their roster and are set up to be successful now. However, they’re missing a few pieces to get them over the edge.
Whether that’s another talented top-six winger, or a number-one goaltender, the Leafs could use a few more players to win now. And with that being said, their first-round pick could be a very valuable asset to help them improve for the 2022-23 season.
Here are three trades that could help the Leafs.