As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to seek reinforcements, particularly in the form of a center and a defenseman. One proposed blockbuster deal has Toronto landing both in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user suggested a trade that would see the Maple Leafs acquire Ryan Donato and Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks in exchange for David Kampf, Nikita Grebenkin, Tobi Niemela, and a 2025 first-round pick.
The deal would be a major move for Toronto, bolstering their lineup with two impactful players in exchange for a combination of future assets, prospects, and an NHL regular. Donato, in the final year of his two-year, $4 million contract, would slot in as Toronto’s third-line center. Known for his ability to shut down opponents and add offensive depth, Donato has been effective for Chicago this season, tallying 15 goals and 15 assists in 50 games. His presence could help address Toronto’s playoff depth scoring concerns.
Murphy, a sturdy defenseman, would strengthen Toronto’s blue line and provide flexibility to play on any pairing. With 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points in 30 games this season, Murphy is in the third year of his four-year, $17.6 million contract.
In return, Chicago would receive a promising first-round pick, Kampf—who could replace Donato—and two intriguing prospects. Kampf, currently in the second year of his four-year, $9.6 million contract, has contributed 3 goals and 4 assists in 39 games this season. Grebenkin is a forward prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact in Chicago, while Niemela is a defenseman prospect who could earn an NHL roster spot.
Toronto’s primary need ahead of the March 7 deadline is a third-line center. General Manager Brad Treliving has acknowledged that while the team has depth at the position, there is always room for improvement. The Maple Leafs’ top centers, Auston Matthews and John Tavares, have been stellar, but Treliving noted the desire to explore additional options.
As for Donato, with Chicago not in playoff contention, he is one of the Blackhawks’ top trade candidates. His name has surfaced in numerous trade rumors, and Rob Couch of The Hockey News has labeled him as the team’s most likely player to be moved ahead of the deadline. Donato also ranks 17th on DailyFaceoff’s trade bait list, further indicating that a trade is imminent.
