Every Toronto Maple Leafs fan wants the team to make a big splash at the NHL Trade Deadline this year, but what if it doesn't happen?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a legitimate chance at winning a Stanley Cup this year, but for some reason, their general manager doesn't like taking risks. Even if it's only 150 yards to clear the water, Treliving is laying up and playing it safe, because that's just the type of manager he is.
We've seen this type of behaviour from Treliving for years and it's probably one of the reasons why his team's have never reached a Conference Finals.
The Leafs have four of the top 10 greatest forwards in franchise history on this roster, yet thier manager doesn't seem willing to cash in draft picks, prospects and/or current roster players to give them the best chance at winning a championship.
Prediction: The Toronto Maple Leafs Aren't Going to Make a Big Trade at Deadline
There's nothing I hate more than this type of behaviour in professional sports. It's hard enough to make the playoffs, so when you're a guranteed playoff team, why aren't you doing everything you can to improve your roster and win? Winning is legitimatly the only reason why you play the games and the single-most important thing.
I don't care about future prospects or draft picks. Those future assets don't matter when you have a chance to win, and I'd much rather lose trying, then being content with a good, not great, roster, and hope that Easton Cowan can replace Mitch Marner next year.
In Mike Zeisberger's article on NHL.com, Treliving provided a long quote that makes me very worried about the NHL Trade Deadline.
GM Brad Treliving Is Costing the Leafs a Chance at a Stanley Cup?
"“To me, it is not about taking big swings. Where do you think you can help your team the most? This isn’t to say we are doing this or doing that, but historically, if you look back at these attention-grabbing deadline deals, really look back at how many have really paid dividends...Brad Treliving
.... Sometimes, moving the needle is a small (move). Maybe it is not the sexy, headline-grabbing move, but are there areas where you can shore up? Ultimately, what is available, what is the cost, and how does it all fit in?"
That is a long quote, but I think it's very impactful. Treliving specifically mentions that "it's not about taking big swing," and instead refers to how "small moves" can ultimately be the difference in improving your roster.
I know that the NHL isn't a Fantasy Hockey League and you can't just trade for Sidney Crosby by giving away multiple draft picks and prospects, but there are some very good players who are available if you send the right package. Players such as Mikko Rantanen and Seth Jones have both been traded this year, who would have been two perfect additions to the Leafs.
Once again, I understand that there's a salary-cap and it's harder to conduct business mid-season, versus in the offseason, but the Eastern Conference is wide open. The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are great teams, but they're beatable if you can match their moves. If the Leafs do nothing they will have zero chance to beat either of those teams, but if they make a big splash, they can win the Atlantic Division and become the favourite.
I will continue to be an optimistic Leafs fan who writes about big trades, but I know I'll be disappointed when the Trade Deadline passes. I really hope I'm wrong, but it's becoming very apparent that Treliving is not someone who is going to improve this roster and help break the 57-year Stanley Cup drought.