As the NHL trade deadline looms, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be active in the market, and one intriguing trade pitch has them acquiring a high-impact forward to bolster their offense.
A proposal generated using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool suggests a potential blockbuster deal that would see the Maple Leafs land Rickard Rakell from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Proposed Trade:
Maple Leafs receive:
- Rickard Rakell
- 2026 second-round pick (St. Louis’)
- 2026 third-round pick (San Jose’s)
Penguins receive:
- Fraser Minten
- Max Domi
- 2026 first-round pick
This proposed trade could significantly shake up the Maple Leafs’ roster, adding a proven scorer in Rakell along with valuable draft capital, in exchange for a first-round pick, a promising prospect in Minten, and a fan-favorite forward in Domi.
Rakell Could Be the Missing Piece for Toronto
Rakell is currently in the third year of a six-year, $30 million contract. The skilled centerman has been a consistent offensive contributor, tallying 25 goals and 23 assists (48 points) in 56 games this season. He could slot in as the Maple Leafs’ second or third-line center, bringing much-needed offensive depth an area that has been problematic for Toronto in past playoff runs.
On the flip side, Toronto would be parting ways with Minten, a promising young forward selected in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Minten has already appeared in 15 games for the Leafs this season, posting four points (2 goals, 2 assists). Additionally, Max Domi who signed a four-year, $15 million contract is included in the deal. Despite being a fan favorite, Domi has struggled offensively this season, notching just three goals and 17 assists (20 points) in 47 games. However, he could provide the Penguins with a reliable replacement for Rakell.
Rakell Among Top Trade Candidates Ahead of Deadline
With the Penguins currently outside of a playoff position, Rakell has become a prominent name in trade discussions. The Athletic ranks him as the second-best trade candidate ahead of the March 7 deadline, noting his scoring ability and reasonable contract as key factors driving interest from multiple teams.
“Well on his way to topping 30 goals and 60 points this season, Rakell may be the most productive offensive player available ahead of this deadline,” The Athletic reported. “The right-shot winger is an above-average finisher who has a history of thriving alongside highly skilled linemates. With three years remaining on his contract after this season, the Penguins don’t have to move him now, but they’d be willing to do so if the return helps their long-term goal of getting younger.”
Given Rakell’s ability to produce offensively and his contract’s cost-effectiveness in a rising salary cap environment, several teams are expected to make a push for him.
Maple Leafs GM Preparing for Key Roster Moves
With Toronto sitting at 33-20-2 and currently second in the Atlantic Division, general manager Brad Treliving is actively looking for ways to strengthen the roster before the trade deadline.
“You’re always watching. I know a lot gets made of the deadline, but you’re always looking at ways you can improve your team,” Treliving said. “And it’s not always just external. With the amount of injuries we’ve had up front, we’ve had a chance to evaluate what we have internally, which is important. We’ve seen some guys step up and play well, giving us insight into what we have within the organization.”
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Treliving and the Maple Leafs to see if they make a bold move to bring in Rakell or explore other deals to solidify their Stanley Cup aspirations.
