The Toronto Maple Leafs Need To Trade for Mo-rgan Geekie
With the recent injury to John Tavares, the Toronto Maple Leafs suddenly find themselves with a lack of depth at centre. While we don’t know the exact nature of the injury, it appears Tavares may be out for at least several weeks, if not more.
In response to this, General Manager Brad Treliving should get on the phone and see who can be acquired via the trade route. Somebody like the Boston Bruins’ Morgan Geekie could be an ideal acquisition.
Yes, Geekie plays for a bitter division rival, and tradition dictates we don’t deal with our biggest enemies. But this year’s version of the “Big Bad Bruins” just doesn’t feel so intimidating any more, and tradition is no reason to not at least inquire about making a deal.
Why would someone like Morgan Geekie be a good trade target for the Leafs? To start, he’s 6’3” and 208 pounds, plays all three forward positions and can play up and down the lineup. In other words, he gives coach Craig Berube options.
Second, he doesn’t make a lot of money. Geekie is in the second year of a two-year, $2M/year contract, and is a restricted free agent at the end of this season. Thus, he also gives Treliving options this summer. Depending on what happens with Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and several other lesser forwards, Geekie can be re-signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs or traded as required.
Finally, the cost of acquisition should not be prohibitively high. Geekie’s best scoring year was last season (17G, 22A, 39P) and he’s on pace this year for similar totals. He had a horrible start to the year, but has picked up his play of late. The Bruins are likely looking to rebuild in the near future, and may be willing to take a prospect or a mid-round pick in return.