With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching on March 7th, the Toronto Maple Leafs are setting their sights on bolstering their lineup specifically by acquiring a center. According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs’ pursuit of a second-line center is serious, but their limited trade assets might force them to settle for a third-line option instead.
Leafs Face Trade Hurdles Amid Asset Shortage
General manager Brad Treliving is determined to make a key acquisition, but the Leafs’ trade capital is thin. Many teams looking to offload talent at the deadline are demanding first-round picks, something Toronto doesn’t have in 2024. The team previously sacrificed its 2025 first-rounder in a trade for defenseman Jake McCabe, a move orchestrated by former GM Kyle Dubas. While McCabe has since solidified himself as a crucial top-four blueliner, the absence of a high draft pick complicates Toronto’s ability to make a blockbuster deal.
Treliving still holds a 2025 second-round selection and first-rounders for 2026 and beyond. If the right opportunity arises, he may consider moving top prospects Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan to sweeten a deal.
Navigating Cap Constraints for a Key Addition
Financial flexibility is another hurdle. With goaltender Anthony Stolarz returning from LTIR, the Leafs currently have $2.2 million in cap space, per PuckPedia. Forwards Calle Jarnkrok and Connor Dewar are also nearing returns, making cap management even trickier.
Several intriguing names have surfaced as potential targets, including Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres), Yanni Gourde (Seattle Kraken), Scott Laughton (Philadelphia Flyers), and Brock Nelson (New York Islanders). Of that group, Cozens is the most appealing option, offering versatility to slot between the second and third lines. However, his $7.1 million cap hit presents a significant challenge, requiring Toronto to get creative with its roster.
Salary Cap Gymnastics and Potential Departures
To clear space for a major addition, the Leafs could look to offload contracts. Names rumored to be on the trade block include Dewar, Nick Robertson ($875,000), David Kampf ($2.4 million), and Conor Timmins ($1.1 million). Another wild card is Max Domi while his performance has been inconsistent, moving his $3.75 million salary would provide much-needed breathing room.
With the deadline looming, Toronto is expected to make incremental cap-saving moves before making a serious play for a high-impact center. The chess pieces are in motion—now, it’s a waiting game to see how Treliving executes his plan.
