Insider Links Rangers & Maple Leafs To Trade Deadline Deal

Wednesday, March 05, 2025 ,

NHL insider Frank Seravalli has linked the Toronto Maple Leafs to New York Rangers forward Reilly Smith, who has been held out of the lineup for two straight games as a trade appears imminent. 

Seravalli believes Smith would be a strong fit for Toronto’s third line, bringing veteran experience and playoff pedigree to a contending team. 

However, he emphasized that acquiring a center remains the Leafs’ top priority before making a move for another winger. “It would make a lot of sense for the Maple Leafs to bring him home to Toronto and add a little Cup pedigree to their room and third line,” Seravalli said. “But they have to get a center first.”

Smith, 33, has 10 goals and 29 points in 58 games this season while averaging 15:36 of ice time. He carries a $3.75 million cap hit, with Pittsburgh retaining 25% of his salary from last summer’s trade, and the Rangers are reportedly willing to retain more to maximize their return. 

Elliotte Friedman reported that Smith prefers a move to a U.S. team, which could complicate a deal unless the Leafs are not on his eight-team no-trade list. With limited cap space, Toronto would need salary retention or a contract going the other way to make a deal work.

The Leafs currently lead the Atlantic Division and are looking to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff run. 

General manager Brad Treliving has expressed interest in making moves but noted the challenges of the market. “You have to determine fact from fiction, what players are actually available,” he said. While their focus remains on acquiring a center, Smith remains an interesting option if they can manage the financials and if he is willing to waive any trade restrictions.

Photo Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

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