Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours. This time, it’s about the Toronto Maple Leafs and how they may be looking for some forward help before the trade deadline. The Leafs are 17 games into the regular season, and they find themselves needing some reinforcements, specifically at centre. According to Chris Johnston on The Chris Johnston Show, the Leafs could be looking for a third-line centreman. In the last few games, Toronto’s third line has looked weak and hasn’t been very effective. When Max Pacioretty was in the lineup, Nicholas Robertson, Pontus Holmberg and Bobby McMann graced the third line. However, it’s been the worst line for Craig Berube‘s team by far. Therefore, the search for help on that line is justified.
Leafs Could Look for Third-Line Centre
It’s still early in the season for teams to declare players open for trade. However, it’s never too early to speculate and look at the options. The Washington Capitals (Toronto’s last opponent) most recently made a move for a third-line centre. They re-acquired Lars Eller from the Pittsburgh Penguins for an affordable price. The Penguins received two draft picks in return. A third-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2025. The Maple Leafs have several draft picks over the next three seasons that can be used in trades such as that one. However, they’ll be well over the salary cap once all their players are healthy. Although, in a perfect world, there are several pending free agents that Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could look at.
Yanni Gourde would be an excellent third-line centre for the Maple Leafs. However, that would be a challenging deal to seal as Gourde has a cap hit of over $5M AAV. Although, in theory, he’d be a great fit. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning and was a huge part of their success. He works like a horse, is very quick and is feisty. The 32-year-old is very much a player Berube would love to have, even if he is 5-foot-9.
Many weeks ago, Johnston made a list of early trade candidates and Christian Dvorak was on that list of names. Dvorak would also be a great addition to the Leafs as a depth centreman. He also has a little familiarity with members of the Maple Leafs. Back in his junior days, he played alongside Mitch Marner, Max Domi and Anthony Stolarz. However, as a counterpoint to a Dvorak acquisition, he has had a history of injuries. He also doesn’t have much playoff experience.
Several more names could be thrown into a hat such as Ryan Donato, Radek Faksa, Curtis Lazar, Jake Evans and more.
Third Line Struggles
Anyone who watches the Maple Leafs could tell you the third line has been disappointing. As a line, there hasn’t been much production or noteworthy moments. Furthermore, it’s been disappointing from an individual’s standpoint for each player on that line. Between the three of them, they have five combined goals, four of them from McMann. However, the trio weren’t on the same line in any of those games. Also, Holmberg has only one assist in 15 games this season. Out of training camp, it seemed that Berube liked what Holmberg was all about. However, he can’t be all that pleased with his recent play.
According to MoneyPuck, the lines that have the least expected goals for have either Holmberg or Domi at centre. Domi had a great start with the Maple Leafs, scoring six assists in just as many games. However, since then he hasn’t recorded a single point. The 29-year-old is point-less in 12 games, the longest drought of his 10-year career. While he isn’t a regular on the third line, he might be pushed to the wing if Toronto ever tests the waters by acquiring a new centre. Maybe that’s exactly what Domi needs, less defensive responsibilities and more freedom offensively.
All of Toronto’s forward lines seem to have an identity. Even the fourth line, Ryan Reaves, David Kampf, and Steven Lorentz, has been consistent and always getting involved. The third line always seems to be quiet on a nightly basis. Finding an anchor for the third line could be what the doctor ordered for Treliving and the Leafs.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
