The Toronto Maple Leafs have done a nice job this offseason adding more depth to their roster, but they may not be done.
The Maple Leafs should continue to explore the trade market to add more talent to the lineup. One player Toronto general manager Brad Treliving should look to trade for is Lawson Crouse of the Utah Mammoth.
Crouse was selected 11th overall in 2015 by the Florida Panthers and is a solid middle-six forward in the NHL. Crouse is in his fourth year of a five-year, $21.5 million deal, so he would be part of the Maple Leafs roster for two seasons.
With the Maple Leafs, the 6-foot-4, 216-pound forward would give Craig Berube another big, physical forward who can play in all situations. But Crouse can also score and play on the second line and be a secondary scorer for Toronto.
The 28-year-old would also be a good playoff performer due to how he plays. Crouse isn’t afraid to use his body or go to the dirty areas on the ice, which has been an issue for the Maple Leafs. He’d also help change the DNA of the team, which was something Treliving wanted to do this offseason.
Crouse recorded 12 goals and 6 assists for 18 points in 81 games last season. However, his career high is 24 goals and 45 points, and playing with better talent in Toronto could get him to a 50-point player.
Ultimately, Crouse’s name has come up in trade talks. It likely wouldn’t cost too much for the Maple Leafs to acquire him. So, it would be a smart move for Toronto to pursue a trade for the former first-round pick.
Where Would Crouse Fit on the Maple Leafs?
If Toronto does make a big move to acquire Crouse, he would likely be a middle-six forward for the Maple Leafs.
Crouse can play left or right wing, but is a better left winger. Toronto has a need for a second-line left winger, and he can fit that role perfectly.
Crouse could play alongside John Tavares and William Nylander on the second line. There, Crouse can play in front of the net, looking for tips and screening the goalie.
Meanwhile, the gritty, physical forward could also protect the two star players on the ice. He would also open the ice for Nylander with his hits, which could lead to more success for the Swede.
If Crouse doesn’t thrive on the second line, he can be part of a physical third line with the likes of Dakota Joshua, Nic Roy, or Scott Laughton. That would be a shutdown line come the playoffs.
Crouse would be a perfect fit for the Maple Leafs’ lineup and someone Toronto should be after.
Crouse Named as Trade Candidate for Mammoth
Although Crouse was an assistant captain for Utah last season, his name has come up in trade rumors.
Mammoth analyst Spencer Lazary of The Hockey News named Crouse a trade candidate this offseason.
“Lawson Crouse is the kind of player who could draw interest if the Mammoth decides to make a bigger move,” Lazary wrote. “He’s signed for two more years and plays a heavy, north-south game that teams value, especially in the playoffs. Unfortunately, he struggled last season in Utah, with just 18 points in 81 games. That could make trading him a bit more difficult. But there would likely be at least half a dozen teams interested in him.
“Depending on how the Mammoth want to shape their roster, he’s someone who might get looked at,” Lazary added. “He’s not part of the younger core. And, if the team’s aiming to add more speed or skill up front, moving Crouse could open up both cap space and opportunity. He’s also the kind of player that could bring back future assets. Or a piece that fits better with how they want to play.”
If Crouse is indeed available, several teams, including the Maple Leafs, should be interested.
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