The search of the Toronto Maple Leafs for a top-six wing player is intensified after the departure of Mitch Marner. Still, as the free agent market drops, a trusted figure can be in the perfect position to dictate terms: former Leafs General Manager and the current Pittsburgh Penguins Boss, Kyle Dubas.
Toronto is linked to different names this summer, but the most realistic trade options Now seem to be Penguins Wingers Rickard Rakell and Bryan rest. Both came from strong seasons-rakell scored 35 goals and 70 points, while rest recorded a career-best 65 points, including 31 goals. Each has a manageable cap -hit just over $ 5 million with three years left in their deals.
The Leafs have done enough work when adding several lower pieces than Marner to fill the attacking gap he leaves behind, but despite all the additions, there is no legitimate top-six scorer among the group. Maybe Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy or Dakota Joshua fit next to Auston Matthews or John Tavares. But that might be a big one.
Why upgrade during the season may not be that easy for the Maple Leafs
But here is the catch: Dubas knows the Leafs inside and out. He set up Easton Cowan, signed Calle Järnkrok and understands the CAP situation of Toronto and everyone in the competition. That fame gives him leverage, especially with GM Brad Treliving under increasing pressure to add scoring if his three new additions have difficulty finding their foot.
The penguins are now not in a hurry. Dubas not need To move Rakell or Rest this summer, and both can still bring value for the Pittsburgh line to the Trade Deadline. That patience means that Toronto may have to pay a premium, where conversations will probably start around Cowan or another top perspective. In other words, if the Leafs want help now, Dubas holds the cards.
There are of course complications. Rakell has a limited no-trade clause and does not want to leave Pittsburgh. Perhaps that changes later in the season, but for now it is likely that he blocks different destinations as part of his trade protection. The Leafs should release extra dop space, and the movement of Järnkrok and David Kämpf have not been exactly a piece of cake.
Still, if Toronto wants a proven scorer, Pittsburgh is very logical because they have two available.
The situation is ideal for Dubas. He can extract maximum value from a desperate buyer – and that buyer happens to be his former team. He is not really looking to do them.
Next: Mega -Deal Dreef between Leafs and Red Wings for Marner -replacement
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