The Toronto Maple Leafs are searching for a center. At the moment, It is not known whether they will go for a star player or a more modest upgrade.
The Toronto Maple Leafs recently played games with Pontus Holmberg and David Kampf in their top six, and have one of the worst centre-ice situations among all contenders.
It is said that the Leafs are not opposed to trading away their first-round pick, but it would need to be for a player with some term left on their contract. I don't think Leafs GM Brad Treliving wants to part with the pick for a rental player.
Treliving and the Leafs must make a long playoff run. They can't afford another early exit. Acquiring the right third-line center to play behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares can make the playoffs easier. Players like Pontus Holmberg and Max Domi are not working in that role, and the Leafs don't believe Fraser Minten is ready yet.
March 7th is the NHL trade deadline, and the rumors are starting to swirl. The Leafs want to make a deal before March 7th, so we'll see what Treliving can pull off. Here are a few options for the Leafs to consider for their third-line center spot. I have assumed that the Leafs cap constraints and lack of assets will prevent them from acquiring the likes of J.T Miller and Mika Zinbanejad.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Are Searching for a Centre: Here's 5 Trade Options
Ryan O'Reilly - Nashville Predators
NHL analyst Mike Johnson has suggested Ryan O’Reilly as a center the Leafs should consider. He could be a strong fit as a trade target this season. While the Nashville Predators determine how much they’ll be sellers by the deadline, the Leafs are looking for a depth center with term. Johnson says the team knows O’Reilly, that he fits, and that he might check off several boxes GM Brad Treliving has identified as a priority.
O'Reilly is signed until the end of the 2026-27 season and currently has 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points in 38 games this season. He would help the Leafs in their need for a faceoff-winning (55.1 FO%) center who can provide secondary scoring. The only thing against trading for O'Reilly is his $4.5 million cap hit. (All stats from hockey-reference.com) (All Salary cap information from puckpedia.com)