The Toronto Maple Leafs have seemingly strung together their best string of games so far this season. But that doesn’t mean the team is perfect. There are glaring gaps that the club could fill to improve its chances of making a long playoff run.
With that in mind, the Maple Leafs could capitalize on another team’s subpar season. The St. Louis Blues have been struggling to get off the ground, potentially selling pieces off if they cannot turn things around soon enough.
One of the pieces the Blues could sell off is center Robert Thomas. Thomas is a legit top-six center who could be a fantastic addition to the Maple Leafs forward group. However, Thomas won’t come cheap.
But if the Maple Leafs have a chance to make a deal like this work, the team must do everything it can to swing it.
Here’s a look at how this novel trade idea could work out:
Maple Leafs get:
Robert Thomas, F
Calle Rosen, D
Blues get:
David Kampf, F
Luke Haymes, F
The Toronto Maple Leafs could have an opportunity to unload David Kampf’s contract on a team that will need center depth moving forward. While Kampf is hardly a replacement for Thomas, the Blues could use the veteran’s defensive presence. Also, getting Nick Robertson would add another young forward for the Blues to bolster their forward group.
The real prize for St. Louis would be one of the Maple Leafs’ best forward prospects in Luke Haymes. Haymes was a standout in training camp this season. The 22-year-old could get a real shot on a rebuilding team like the Blues.
As for Calle Rosen, the Maple Leafs could use a familiar face to deliver blueline depth.
Maple Leafs Could Solve Major Problem with Thomas
Adding Robert Thomas solves a major problem for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mainly, the issue at hand would be finding balance down the middle. While John Tavares has been a solid second-line center this season, the Leafs could use as much depth as possible.
Thomas could easily slide in behind Auston Matthews, allowing Craig Berube to slot Tavares on the wing, or drop him to the third line. The Maple Leafs could also find another option with Thomas. The veteran forward could move to the wing on Matthews’ line.
That sort of flexibility is something the Leas need, considering the desperate need for depth as the season wears on.
Toronto Would Address Lack of Scoring with Thomas
The Maple Leafs have had trouble scoring goals at times. While the club has had solid showings from time to time, finding consistent scoring has been a major issue for the club.
So, adding a veteran top-six forward like Robert Thomas would help the Maple Leafs address their need for more scoring. While depth scoring might be a preferable target, Toronto cannot pass up the opportunity to load up top.
The only question remaining would be finding the best way to fit Thomas’ $8.125 million cap hit. That might take some more creative accounting, but Brad Treliving could find a way to make the math work.
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