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Possible Late Season Rentals for the Toronto Maple Leafs

By Jeremy Ridgewell

Sep 28, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson (89) celebrates with forward Alexander Kerfoot (15) after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson (89) celebrates with forward Alexander Kerfoot (15) after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs get mentioned in rumors about acquiring a defenseman often. With defenseman Jake Muzzin on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), it makes sense to assume they need more help on the back end.

Adding another defenseman is still probable, but the Toronto Maple Leafs need help up front.

Secondary scoring seems to be down for the Maple Leafs this season. Finding a top-six left-winger would be ideal.

The team is currently rotating Alex Kerfoot, Nick Robertson, and Michael Bunting as their top-six left-wingers.

After a 51-point season last year, Kerfoot is off to a slow start with six points in 18 games. In Toronto’s last five games, Kerfoot has registered just one point. Robertson has five points in ten games but can’t seem to stay in the lineup.

The best thing for his development might be to send him down to the AHL so he can play regularly. Bunting is another Toronto player that got off to a slow start. He seems to have gotten his groove back, with four points in his last two games. Those four points bring him up to ten points in 18 games. (Stats from hockey-reference.com)

Some added production in the top six would be a welcomed addition. Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas might not be willing to make a deal yet, but if the team’s production doesn’t improve, he might not have a choice.

The team needs to have scoring threats outside of their core four players. In this article, I will look at a few players on expiring contracts that Toronto could use as rentals for this season. They may not all play in the top six, but they add secondary scoring.

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