The Toronto Maple Leafs have played only one game this season, but the vibes are good after their 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly are leading the way, while Anthony Stolarz holds down the fort in net.
However, it’s never too early to start upgrading before the trade deadline. A new report reveals that the Maple Leafs are competing with at least one other club for the services of Martin Necas.
Maple Leafs One of 5 Teams Linked to Martin Necas
GettyMartin Necas
A new report from RG reveals that Necas is linked to five different teams vying for his talents. The report explains that the chances of Necas finishing this season with the Colorado Avalanche are slim.
“I’d be stunned if he even finishes the season with the Avalanche,” James Murphy wrote on October 9. “Let alone extends in Colorado. I don’t see how the Avalanche make it happen with Necas.”
There are two different categories of suitors for Necas. The first category is the teams that will see the forward as a rental. In this case, those teams are the Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers.
“I’ll tell you one thing: when it comes to trading for him at least as a rental, I’d be watching the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers,” Murphy reveals his source told him. “If, as I expect, the Rangers will be back in the playoff hunt.”
The second category of suitors is those who would trade for him with an extension in place.
“As for teams that could trade for him with an extension in place,” Murphy wrote. “I’m looking at teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and the San Jose Sharks. I think the (Anaheim) Ducks are really intriguing because they may be in the wild card mix at the deadline.”
If Necas has a say in where he lands, it’s tough to see him agreeing to the idea of playing for the Flyers, Sharks, or Ducks. However, that could change if either of those teams is within striking distance of a Wild Card Position.
Maple Leafs Must Pivot After Losing Roslovic Sweepstakes
The Jack Roslovic sweepstakes came to an anticlimactic conclusion on October 8th. The young forward agreed to a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
Roslovic had an interest in joining the Maple Leafs during the summer. Yet, at some point, either the team or player moved on to pursue other options.
The Maple Leafs are in the market for an upgrade to their top-six. Elliotte Friedman hinted at the team being in the market in his most recent written 32 Thoughts entry.
“Other things to watch once the phones start to buzz,” Friedman wrote on October 7. “Vancouver continuing its search for a centre; Toronto a top-six forward; Carolina always lurking.”
Pulling off a trade for Necas can offer a chance at redemption for missing out on Roslovic.
Necas has recorded 328 points in 442 career games. Over those games, he has averaged 17:02 per game.
As always, the Maple Leafs faithful will be observing this situation as it develops.
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