Maple Leafs & Blues Could Make Blockbuster Trade

Since $5.625 million in cap space has become available to the Toronto Maple Leafs after news Jake Muzzin will be out long-term, the team can look to utilize that money. They don't necessarily need any more defencemen, but could certainly use the help up front.

There are a number of possibilities for the Maple Leafs to add, but one in particular has been brought up on TSN by Mike Johnson. He said, "I'm in the belief that the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have struggled out of the gate, don't need a defenceman solely, but they could use help up front."

He states that the depth forwards aren't nearly as good and suggests the Maple Leafs could run a possible Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Ryan O'Reilly as the top three centres. The Blues would of course have to retain a bit of cap space or take back a forward or two in the deal. But having a former Conn Smythe winner and Selke Trophy winner on the roster would be extremely helpful come playoff time.

Johnson also brings up the point that O'Reilly is familiar with the area of Toronto and would be willing, excited, and rejuvenated to go play for his hometown team. The team could make it so they have a heavy three-line attack that they are missing right now. With cap space the Maple Leafs haven't had available to them for a while, who knows what big waves they can make to finally make it out of the first round.