Leafs scrambling ahead of deadline; linked to Fleury, Lindholm, Avalanche

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Liam
March 14, 2022 (9:57 PM)

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Maple Leafs fans have entered a state of panic, if they've ever left one. Going 5-3-2 in their last ten games, with some embarrassing losses to basement-level teams, the Leafs front office is staring down the trade deadline with multiple holes in their roster.

For years, the Leafs have been searching for a second line left-wing, which still remains a need. The defence this year has struggled, and is in need of an upgrade to seriously compete in the playoffs. Perhaps most importantly, the goaltenders behind the team have been atrocious since January 1st, never once posting a .900 save percentage over a month stretch. The Leafs are in a spiral.

The Leafs are in need of a player at every position, but GM Dubas has only publicly prioritized adding on defence. In that department, the Leafs have been linked to defender Hampus Lindholm from Anaheim. Lindholm is a solid two-way defenceman playing 20+ minutes a night for Anaheim, has 22 points in 60 games this season, and carries a $5.2M cap hit until the end of the year. In relation to the Manson trade earlier today, and knowing Lindholm to be more valuable, it can be speculated the price to acquire him with salary retained begins with a first round pick.

On the end of goaltending, only one name on the market seems to be a genuine upgrade: Marc-Andre Fleury. With sub-par play from both goalies and an injury to Jack Campbell, the Leafs are in need of a goalie to carry them deep into the playoffs. According to Elliotte Friedman, Fleury will only accept a trade to a team where he believes he can win. The question is, does Fleury think he can provide the goaltending needed to win a cup with the Leafs?

As mentioned before, the Leafs will likely target a forward as well, be it for the top 6 role, or added playoff depth. Elliotte Friedman also linked Toronto and Colorado in trade talks, but couldn't provide any more details. Whatever it may be, Dubas and Sakic are two of the most creative general managers, so there's always potential for a trade.

With holes one the roster at all fronts, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be gearing up for an extremely aggressive trade deadline. It'll be a challenge for Dubas to address all the team's needs with salary cap restrictions, so some creative deals just in the works this week.