The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to upgrade their roster, and a winger is needed.
The Maple Leafs had a need for a left winger last season, as well as Bobby McMann and Max Domi were their second and third-line left-wingers, so upgrading that position is key. With that, NHL analyst Jeremy Tingly of LeafsNation urges Toronto to trade for Winnipeg Jets veteran winger Nino Niederreiter.
“With Nik Ehlers off to Carolina, the Jets would need a return of some help on the wing if Niederreiter was moved, so perhaps Nick Robertson or Bobby McMann would be of interest,” Tingly wrote. “Niederreiter scored 17 goals last season, in a down year, and has the potential to bounce back in 2025-26.
“The 6-foot-2 winger had a solid playoffs for the Jets, and plays a heavy game, landing 151 hits last season, something Berube would love to add more of. At $4 million for just two more years, it wouldn’t be a massive gamble for Treliving to add Niederreiter’s contract to the books,” Tingly added. “He doesn’t have any trade protection, which makes things easier, it’s just going to come down to what type of return Treliving is willing to offers Jets’ GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, and if Winnipeg is still going to be active on the free-agent market, with their remaining $19 million in cap space.”
Niederreiter would be a good second-line left-winger for the Maple Leafs. He has two years left on his three-year, $12 million deal, so it’s an affordable contract for Toronto to add.
Niederreiter has skated in 969 career games, including 105 career playoff games, so he would add more experience to the lineup.
Maple Leafs Looking to Upgrade Top-Six
Toronto does have a need for another winger in the top-six, whether on the left or right side.
The Maple Leafs did acquire Mattias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth, who could play on the top line. With that, Toronto could look to add a left winger, but Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving says the goal is to add a top-six forward.
“Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole,” Treliving said on July 1. “That’s really where our focus is.”
The Maple Leafs still have nearly $5 million in cap space, and Treliving says he is looking at ways to spend the money.
“We would’ve liked to use that earlier today. But if there’s not the right fit to use it on, we will take the flexibility,” Treliving added.
The Maple Leafs have been linked to several depth forwards as a way to spend the money.
Maccelli Hoping to Earn Top-Six Role With Maple Leafs
Toronto made an intriguing trade to acquire Maccelli, and he hopes he can earn a top-six role.
Maccelli struggled last season with Utah, and he believes he’s much better than he showed last year.
“I still know I’m a better player than I was. I know I still have it in me. Now I’ve just got to show people again,” Maccelli said on July 7… “Definitely right from the start, I told my agent that I would love to play for the Leafs.”
Maccelli recorded 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points in 55 games.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Maple Leafs Linked to Trading for $12M Veteran Winger appeared first on Heavy Sports.