Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 Trade Deadline Targets at Forward
The third and final installment of my Maple Leafs trade deadline targets series are the forwards. There is an abundance of forwards available so I only chose the ones I felt the most confident the Leafs could afford and would fit the team, or who were can't miss targets.
For full disclosure, Adam Henrique, Anthony Mantha, Alex Wennberg, and Emil Bemstrom were on this list for me but are of course no longer available. I won't dive too much into either seeing as they don't factor into this discussion anymore but they both fit needs I felt. They were both depth scorers who were defensively responsible and possibly capable of playing further up the lineup if need be.
That being said, the main needs for the Leafs are depth that can help the Leafs defensively while chipping in secondary offense and potentially a center who can play in the middle-six. The center would allow Domi to shift to the wing during the playoffs and spread the Leafs wealth up front. This would possibly allow the Leafs to get away without acquiring an extra depth forward but still, depth is important come playoff time.
The Leafs have quite a few players that could be moved to open up cap and roster space up front, they are; Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, Ryan Reaves, Noah Gregor, Nick Robertson, and Connor Timmins.
Obviously these players provide varying value and cap relief but these are the likeliest players to be moved if necessary. Although, based on reports it is very possible that the team is flatout shopping Robertson.
Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 Trade Deadline Targets at Forward
Much like with the defense, due to the sheer number of players below, I feel it is necessary to split each category up into less and more desirable. I have not included a few players who were featured on my article about players the Leafs should not trade for.
Less Desirable
Mikael Granlund
It pains me to say this, but I would not trade for Granlund at the deadline, especially with one more year remaining on his deal at $5 million.
He has versatility in terms of positions he can play, which can be useful. However, he has struggled mightily over the past few seasons despite being a solid top-six forward during the 2010's.
He is on this list mainly for the potential reclamation aspect as he could be an amazing find if he is acquired and can find his game again. However, it is unlikely and there are very large risks to acquiring him which make him an undesirable trade option.
At a heavy retention, Granlund could be a useful player for the Leafs and his acquisition cost should be cheap given his struggles. If the Leafs staff feel they could reclaim his previous performance, it could be worth it but as is, he would almost be too risky to even attempt.
Alex Barabanov
When the Leafs traded their KHL free agent signee to the San Jose Sharks back in 2021, he was mainly used as a 13th forward. He has seen great success in a depth role with the Sharks over the past three years and is now seeking to join a cup contender.
The main issue I have with Barabanov is his lack of play-driving ability. He struggles to create offense as well as stunt opposing team’s offense. I would typically lend some credence to the fact the Sharks have been a basement dwelling team for the past few seasons but even relative to his teammates, it is lacking. Mix in his relatively easy matchups and it makes his underlying numbers even more concerning.
You don’t produce at a nearly 45-55 point pace over the past two season by accident, clearly there is skill there and it’s evident when watching him. However, the poor numbers do worry me enough that I would caution paying anything of significance to acquire his services, especially as a rental. Luckily, he only makes $2.5 million and at half retained, he could be a worthwhile depth add for the right price.
Frank Vatrano
Vatrano has hit his stride with the Anaheim Ducks, in his two seasons in California he has recorded his first and second best statistical seasons to date with 41 and 48 (and counting) points respectively. He has utility as a forechecking middle-six winger, making him fit the Leafs need quite well. However, much like Barabanov his play driving numbers give me some pause. Unlike Barabanov, he is mainly used against top competition and playing on a poor team like the Ducks could have an impact on his numbers of course.
The added benefit of Vatrano is his relatively cheap deal at $3.65 million for another year. This would allow the Leafs to acquire a player for two hopeful cup runs. If the price is right, Vatrano could prove to be a very valuable acquisition.
More Desirable
Morgan Frost
If Frost does happen to be available, the Leafs have to pounce on him. He is only 24, currently under contract for another season at only $2.1 million. Even if Frost caps out at his current pace of production, he should be a solid 50 point middle-six center. He is also capable at both ends of the ice, making him a perfect player to supplement the core. If he is able to play alongside Nylander going forward, he may even see progression in the offensive production making him even more valuable.
The only real fear is that he has yet to prove himself against top-six competition, which could force the Leafs to shelter him a bit. The potential is there nonetheless. The price will be high no doubt but he could prove to be very worth it.
Reilly Smith
If the Penguins are serious about selling, Reilly Smith could be a useful addition to the Maple Leafs. He has the Stanley cup pedigree and a solid track record of performing in the playoffs with 79 points in 106 games played over his career.
He would immediately fill in as a solid middle-six winger with a sound 200-foot game. He would help the Leafs by providing adept secondary offense and shoring up team defense at 5v5. His contract is a little high at $5 million for another year after this but with retention, likely from a third party, he would be a great addition to the forward group.
He will not be cheap by any means but he is one of a few players that would be worth a relatively high price tag. Although, him being a winger rather than a center makes him a little less of a fit for the Leafs. (All Statistical information via Hockey-Reference.com and Evolving-Hockey.com).
Arthur Kaliyev
Kaliyev is a player with seemingly large amounts of untapped potential, he could benefit greatly from a change of scenery. He is currently stuck in a bottom-six role with the LA Kings, finding himself in the press box on many nights.
He is only one year removed from producing 28 points in 56 games as a sophomore, playing under 12 minutes a night. So far this season he has struggled to produce with only 14 points in 44 games but between his inconsistent playing time, there is no wonder why he cannot get in a groove. He provides very little in the way of defensive ability which is a big drawback but his potential alone makes him a very intriguing option. (All contract information via CapFriendly.com)
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I don’t like doing mock trades but if the Leafs can swing a Matt Roy and Arthur Kaliyev haul out of LA, it could be massive. Even if they don’t acquire Roy, if Kaliyev can be had, the Leafs could do much worse finding a depth scorer.