Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Targets from the Central Division

Welcome to part three of my Toronto Maple Leafs trade targets series.

I have been looking at how the Leafs can upgrade their roster before the NHL trade deadline.

There are some weaknesses that need fixing, but does Leafs general manager Brad Treliving have the right assets to make the necessary upgrades? I believe he does, but should he spend them on a rental or try to get a player with more term? I, for one, would not like to see the Leafs spend a 1st round pick or a top prospect on a rental.

The Leafs need help on defense, in goal, down the middle, and on the left side. They probably need defense the most, but the roster has several holes to fill if they are to compete for the Stanley Cup.

The Leafs have several assets but other than the obvious ones they clearly wouldn't want to move - Woll and Knies - they might lack the firepower to compete with other buyers for the best players available.

This article will focus on teams considered to be sellers or potential sellers in the Central Division. Let's take a look at possible trade targets for the Leafs.

Chicago Blackhawks

Jarred Tinordi

Jarred Tinordi is a soon-to-be 32-year-old left-shooting defenseman. His large 6'6", 229 Lbs frame would look good on the Leafs blueline.

He has six assists in 29 games, but what he does without the puck makes him a decent trade target. Tinordi has 61 blocked shots and 80 hits in 29 games while averaging 15:52 minutes of ice time.

The Leafs have been lacking a big, punishing defenseman all season. I think Tinordi and Simon Benoit could be a good punishing third defensive pair for the Leafs come playoff time. (All stats from hockey-reference.com)

Tinordi has a low salary cap hit of $1.25 million and would be a cheap rental to acquire. The Leafs wouldn't need to give up much, and he won't hurt their cap space. He could be a decent rental option for the Leafs. (All salary information from capfriendly.com)

Ryan Donato

Ryan Donato is a 27-year-old center, measuring 6'0", 190 Lbs. He has six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 46 games.

Donato has 17 blocked shots and 47 hits while averaging 14:45 minutes of ice time. He has 34 takeaways compared to 19 giveaways, so he is decent without the puck. I think Donato could benefit by playing for a better team. He can also play on both wings, so the Leafs could slide him into any position they need to.

Donato is signed until the end of next season with a salary cap hit of $2 million. He could be a low-cost, high-reward addition for the Leafs if they decide to acquire him. With a few Leafs forwards becoming a UFA this summer, it could be a bonus to have Donato around for next season.

Minnesota Wild

Zach Bogosian

Could we see the Leafs reunited with defenseman Zach Bogosian?

The 33-year-old, 6'2", 222 lbs defenseman is a pending UFA this summer and could be acquired as a rental. He has one goal and seven assists for eight points in 33 games.

Bogosian has recorded 44 blocked shots and 55 hits while averaging 16:55 minutes of ice time. I enjoyed his style of play when he played for the Leafs during the 2020-21 season.

The Leafs could fit Bogosian's $850,000 salary into their cap structure without any problems. However, he does have a 21-team no-trade list, so the Leafs would have to hope they're not on that list.

Jake Middleton

Jake Middleton is a 28-year-old, 6'3", 219 lbs. left-shooting defenseman. He has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points this season. Middleton plays a more physical game than most Leafs defensemen, which the team needs come playoff time. He has 80 hits and 101 blocked shots in 49 games. Middleton can fit into the Leafs top-four as he is averaging 20:12 minutes of ice time.

Middleton has a decent salary cap hit of $2.45 million and is under contract until the end of next season. He is one of the cheaper non-rental options out there. I think he is a Treliving type of player, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Leafs try to acquire him.

Marc-Andre Fleury

Considering the rumour that Leafs president Brendan Shanahan vetoed a trade Kyle Dubas had in place for Marc-Andre Fleury in the past, I doubt he would allow Treliving to add the veteran goaltender now. However, I'm adding him to this list as I think he could help the Leafs come playoff time, especially with the Leafs goaltending woes this season. Fleury has an 8-9-3 record in 23 games played, with a 2.95 GAA and a .897 SV% with one shutout.

Fleury will be retiring at the end of this season and deserves one last playoff run. His salary cap hit is $3.5 million, so the Leafs may need the Minnesota Wild to retain some salary.