The Toronto Maple Leafs should try to upgrade their roster before the NHL trade deadline.
They have some weaknesses that need fixing, but does Toronto Leafs general manager Brad Treliving have enough assets to make the necessary upgrades? Or rather, is he comfortable trading the assets that he does have?
As the NHL gets closer to the trade deadline, the Leafs will get linked to every player under the sun.
Treliving's main focus should be on upgrading the Leafs defense more than anything else. That is the area where the Leafs need the most help. However, I wouldn't rule out the Leafs adding a depth forward or even a goaltender. It all depends on how confident Treliving is with this Leafs team.
The Leafs top assets for trades at this year's deadline are Matthew Knies, Timothy Liljegren, Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan, and their 2024 first-round pick. Maybe also Joseph Woll if they went all in on a star goalie.
I don't see Treliving trading Knies or Liljegren, but they are players other teams inquire about. As much as I would hate to see the Leafs trade away Cowan or Minten, it will depend on which player the Leafs acquire. Hopefully, it would be a player that can make a big impact, rather than a role player.
This article will be the first of a four-part series looking at possible trade targets from each division. I will focus on teams that are not holding a playoff spot, as they are typically the sellers. Let's take a look at possible trade targets from within the Atlantic Division.