NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs & Sharks Linked to Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been scouting heavily of late as they look to be buyers ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. General manager Kyle Dubas is going all in this season and is apparently in the market for a second-line left winger along with a top-four defenseman. The San Jose Sharks could help, and have Timo Meier who would be a huge get for the Maple Leafs.

Friedman emphasizes that he doesn't know for sure if Meier is a target for the Leafs, just spitballing.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 3, 2023

Meier is having a career season in San Jose and is a pending restricted free agent who the Sharks are likely unloading. GM Mike Grier is trying to continue his rebuild and moving Meier would certainly bring back some top prospects and future high-end draft picks.

Besides Meier, another Sharks forward the Leafs could have interest in is former Leaf Alexander Barabanov. The rugged winger has recorded 24 points in 35 games and his in-your-face playing style is much needed in Toronto. Swapping Pierre Engvall and a prospect for Barabanov would be a wise move by Toronto.

Keep an eye on these two teams as one is buying and one is selling and they could have interest doing business together before March 3.

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