Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Deadline Expectations and Moves

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are approaching the NHL trade deadline with a cautious and calculated approach, as General Manager Brad Treliving weighs the team's options and considers the costs of potential moves. With the deadline looming on Friday, Treliving met with the media in Pittsburgh to discuss the team's plans and expectations. While he acknowledged the team's desire to improve, he also emphasized the importance of making smart and sustainable decisions.

Treliving's comments suggest that the team is not looking to make a big splash at the trade deadline, but rather to make targeted and strategic moves that will help the team in the long run. He mentioned that the team is looking to improve its defence and add depth to its roster, but also emphasized the importance of being mindful of the costs and ensuring that any moves made are in the best interests of the team. The team's current injuries to key players, including captain Auston Matthews and defenceman Chris Tanev, may also impact their trade deadline decisions. Additionally, the team's prospects, such as Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, are considered valuable assets and may be used as trade bait.

The Maple Leafs have been linked to several players who may be available at the trade deadline, including St. Louis Blues forward Brayden Schenn and Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen. However, Treliving's comments suggest that the team is not looking to make a major splash, and may instead focus on making smaller, more targeted moves. The team's current roster, including players like Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and Pontus Holmberg, has shown promise and may be enough to make a deep playoff run. The team's recent signing of undrafted forward Borya Valis to a three-year, entry-level contract also suggests that they are looking to build for the future.

Some of the key players and their statistics include:

• Brayden Schenn: 20 goals, 30 assists in 50 games
• Mikko Rantanen: 25 goals, 35 assists in 55 games
• Auston Matthews: 30 goals, 25 assists in 45 games
• Fraser Minten: 10 goals, 15 assists in 30 games (AHL)
• Easton Cowan: 5 goals, 10 assists in 25 games (AHL)

1. March 3: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
2. March 5: vs. Buffalo Sabres
3. March 7: vs. Montreal Canadiens

The Maple Leafs' current standings are:

• Atlantic Division: 2nd place, 1 point behind Florida Panthers
• Eastern Conference: 4th place, 5 points behind Boston Bruins

Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs are taking a thoughtful and strategic approach to the NHL trade deadline, weighing their options and considering the costs and benefits of potential moves. While they may not make a major splash, they are looking to make smart and sustainable decisions that will help the team in the long run.