Brayden Schenn, St Louis Blues
One of the hottest rumored players that the Leafs are interested in, Brayden Schenn brings with him a breadth of playoff experience and veteran leadership. It also just so happens that he is a former Stanley Cup winner under the guidance of current Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube back in 2018-19.
With the ability to average close to 25 goals and 60 points per season in his prime, Schenn could have provided a significant boost to the Leafs offensive attack - several years ago. This year, he has scored at roughly the same rate as the struggling Max Domi and likely won't help the Leafs.
The cost for bringing in Schenn could be outrageous, as rumors have it the Blues are looking for multiple draft picks including first-rounders. Berube sure has high praise for his former player and would love to reunite with the 33-year-old forward. If the Leafs truly believe he will be the next Ryan O’Reilly from a couple of years ago, then they may find some way to get the deal done. Otherwise, they should think really hard on whether or not they should sacrifice their future for the aging and supposedly declining player.
Brock Nelson, New York Islanders
Finally, perhaps the best option available out there happens to be none other than Brock Nelson. Nelson has developed into an offensive force in recent years, averaging over 30 goals and 60 points during the past three seasons with the New York Islanders. He has always been among the top scorers on the Islanders and has recently raised his stock representing the United States at the 4 Nations Face-off.
Nelson is also a big contributor on both the power play and penalty kill while being highly responsible with the puck, maintaining close to a 1:1 takeaway to giveaway ratio in the past five seasons. This year, Nelson has recorded 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points in 58 games played to date. Even though the Islanders team has endured much struggles throughout the current season, Nelson has managed to help keep the team afloat and remain in contention for the playoffs. (All stats from hockey-reference.com and salaries from PuckPedia.com)
Whether he ends up being still available now is up in question. But if the Islanders decide that their time is up and permanently become sellers at the trade deadline, without question the top option available that the Leafs should pursue to potentially fulfill their Cup dreams is Nelson.