4 Rentals Maple Leafs Could Target In Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't very healthy down the middle right now, and even if they are, the team should look for a rental to add by the trade deadline in order to compete better in the playoffs when that time rolls around.

Not only has Auston Matthews missed a number of games to this point, centers Max Domi and David Kampf are out, along with Calle Jarnkrok and Max Pacioretty. The team is pretty banged up, and while Toronto may very well be all healed up and not dealing with anything by the trade deadline or later in the season, it's much better safe than sorry and there are some solid options out there to bring in as a rental.

Luke Fox names Brock Nelson, Mikael Granlund, Frank Vatrano, and Nick Bjugstad as centers the Maple Leafs could trade for as a rental.

Nelson's time with the New York Islanders needs to come to an end. The team has been mediocre for a while despite his great play and underrated ability. The veteran is in the last year of a six-year, $6 million AAV deal and is tied for the team lead in goals with seven. He stays very healthy, missing just two games since his rookie season in 2013-14. He still has lots to give and the Maple Leafs could likely get him at $3 million if the Islanders decide to finally sell.

Granlund is either going to be traded or re-signed, but it makes much more sense for the team to trade him amidst another very strong start to the season. The San Jose Sharks have young centers that can play down the middle and get accustomed to that role while only strengthening their system with the return for Granlund. The Maple Leafs could most definitely use someone like him as he can also play the left wing and already has nine goals and 22 points in 21 games. With a $5 million cap hit and no retention spots for the Sharks, the Maple Leafs would have to involve a third team to make this trade.

Vatrano had a great career year last season, but has predictably declined in 2024-25. He is still a top-6 talent, but is likely better used on the left wing. What's great about him is that he will still shoot, hit, and block shots no matter if he's scoring or not. Vatrano will always have an impact on the game and has two goals and seven points in 17 games. He is coming off a 37-goal, 60-point season though.

Bjugstad is capable of filling in as a top-6 center, but on a contender, he could be a strong third line option that isn't very costly. He is currently playing center on the top line and has three goals and five points in 10 games, but the last time he was dealt to a contender, it was the Edmonton Oilers and he was utilized on the third line for the majority of the games with the ability to slide up and play a role.

The Maple Leafs have options and should be active this season ahead of the trade deadline in order to upgrade enough for a successful playoff run.