General manager Kyle Dubas of the Toronto Maple Leafs met with the media on Tuesday and surprisingly was as candid as ever. He made sure to let it be known he's looking to make a trade ASAP, he's willing to move top prospects and picks, and he's interested in acquiring a forward.
Here's five forwards that Pierre LeBrun of TSN linked to the Maple Leafs via Insider Trading:
Mikael Granlund, Nashville Predators
We've all heard his name numerous times and it's likely because the Leafs tried hard to sign him before he made his way to Nashville. Could play on any of the top-3 lines and his speed would mesh well with the Leafs. The 29-year-old and former 20-goal scorer, has registered 10 points in 26 games.
Kyle Palmieri, New Jersey Devils
This would be a great fit for the Leafs as Palmieri can fill the net. The 30-year-old has some trade protection and submits a list of eight teams he can't be dealt to. It's not expected he would block a trade to Toronto. He's scored 12 points in 25 games and could provide the Leafs with another top-6 forward. Palmieri and the Devils are currently discussing his future and if he's not staying in New Jersey, the Leafs will be making an offer, and by the sounds of it so will the Boston Bruins.
Nick Foligno, Columbus Blue Jackets
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun was the first to report Foligno's name and it makes a ton of sense. His dad is a Leafs legend and the pending unrestricted free-agent could flourish in Toronto. The only thing stopping this deal is how much
Columbus wants to retain the remaining salary on Foligno's contract, and the Blue Jackets win/loss record. Right now the team is too close to start selling off all their assets, especially their Captain.
Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators
This deal would be a 'hockey' move as Forsberg has next year remaining on his contract as well. Because he's making
$6 million and is only 26, the Leafs would have to pay a decent ransom to acquire Forsberg. While Alexander Kerfoot would be a part of the deal because of his $3.5 million salary, the Leafs would also have to include top prospect Nick Robertson and likely one of
Timothy Liljegren or Mac Hollowell. A steep price to pay but Forsberg is a proven top-line winger that would look scary with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks
Rakell's name surfaced weeks ago and even though the Ducks are 'open for business' they don't appear gun-ho with selling off Rakell. The 27-year-old has next season remaining on his contract at $3.78 million and so far in 30 games this season he's registered 19 points. The Ducks can't score as it is so it doesn't make a ton of sense for them to move one of their best wingers. Rakell would give the Leafs a ton of flexibility with their top-9 forwards and another scorer for their second power-play.
Kyle Dubas wants to dance, but it takes two to tango.
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