The Toronto Maple Leafs are no strangers to playoff failure. A giant trade early in the season can help them turn their fortunes around.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have come out of the gate in a less than inspiring way, earning a record of 4-4-1.
While the Bruins are the clear division leaders, having won eight of the nine total games this season, the Leafs are fortunate to find themselves tied for second in the Atlantic Division.
Toronto has yet to fully find their rhythm. This includes getting the reining Hart Trophy winner, Auston Matthews performing at a level he’s proven capable. Currently, Matthews is on pace to have a 20-goal season after setting a franchise record with 60 last year. Once Matthews and his teammates find their stride, they should begin winning at a greater rate.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Do Something
In order to expedite this process and add more scoring depth, General Manager, Kyle Dubas, shouldn’t wait for the trade deadline to make a big splash. He should try and find another high skilled offensive player to bring to the Big Smoke early in the season. It will not only help the club collect wins but also allow the players the time they need to build chemistry.
The value of giving team-additions time to acclimate to their new surroundings should not be understated. The Maple Leafs have shown that a shift is needed in order to find success when the games matter most. Allowing newly acquired players to find their footing in the regular season can only help boost the team’s play come the postseason.
The big question is who should that dominating offensive target be? The most obvious answer right now is Patrick Kane. Currently playing on a $10.5 million cap hit, it would take moving serious salary out to make space for the future Hall of Fame sniper.
There is no denying the carnage Kane can cause opponents on the score board. Last season, the first overall pick of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, registered 26 goals and 66 assists for a total of 92 points in 78 games for the Chicago Blackhawks. Playing him alongside some of the Leafs current talent can be even more dangerous.
If Dubas is interested, trading for Kane won’t be easy, an another team would have to be involved to retain salary, and the cost would be astronomical. Even though the 33 year-old is on an expiring contract, the Hawks will want an strong package to lure him away, plus whatever else you have to pay a different team to retain money.
The Leafs haven’t started well and this is the shakeup they need.