The Toronto Maple Leafs have a major need at center ice, especially if John Tavares leaves in free agency.
Even if Tavares re-signs, Toronto still has a need for a second or third-line center, depending on where Tavares plays in the lineup. With that, Maple Leafs analyst Jeremy Tingly of The LeafsNation urges Toronto to trade for Charlie Coyle of the Colorado Avalanche.
“Coyle does a little bit of everything, combining for 17 goals last season between the Bruins and Avs, while also playing both sides of special teams, landing 108 hits, and winning close to 50% of his faceoffs,” Tingly wrote. “Ideally, he’s over 50% at the dot, but that’s certainly something he can master, or take pointers from Matthews during practice, as the game is always easier when you start with the puck.
“Coyle has one year left at $5.2 million, and at 33 years old, is someone who Treliving could like to re-sign on a short-term deal,” Tingly added. “He’s an upgrade over Laughton, or Kampf for the top six, but there’s no doubt he’s not the sexiest name on the board.”
Coyle’s name has come up in trade talks, despite the Avalanche acquiring him at the trade deadline. He would add some more offense to the middle of the lineup for the Maple Leafs, and he also has plenty of playoff experience.
Avalanche Shopping Coyle
Despite trading Casey Mittelstadt, prospect William Zellers, and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft at the deadline, the Avalanche are already shopping Coyle.
Coyle didn’t fit in with the core and butted heads with Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon. With that, his name has come up in trade rumors. NHL insider Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff put Coyle 10th on his trade bait board.
“Outside of Dallas, which has taken steps to remedy the situation with a Mason Marchment trade, there is arguably no team in a more precarious salary cap position than the Avalanche,” Seravalli wrote. “They’re up against it. Down the middle, they have Nathan MacKinnon at $12.6m, now Brock Nelson locked up at $7.5m. Does that make Coyle a luxury at $5.25m playing in the 3C role? Many see it that way, which is why Coyle’s name percolated at the Scouting Combine in Buffalo. He is one of three Avs on the board as they look for flexibility.”
Coyle recorded 1 goal in 7 playoff games with the Avalanche. He has one year left on his six-year, $31.5 million deal.
Maple Leafs & Tavares Not Close on Extension
A potential bigger reason for the Maple Leafs to pursue a trade for Coyle is due to the fact that Tavares may not be back.
Despite Tavares saying he wants to return to Toronto, he and the Maple Leafs aren’t close on a contract.
According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the two sides are still talking but aren’t close on a contract.
“The Leafs and John Tavares’ camp, led by agent [Pat] Brisson, still haven’t found their sweet spot on an extension,” LeBrun wrote. “Wherever each side is, it wasn’t close enough as of Saturday.”
Tavares recorded 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points in 75 games last season.
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