The Toronto Maple Leafs could look to add some more offense to the lineup, and one trade idea has them making an intriguing move.
Heavy.com has a trade idea that sees the Maple Leafs acquiring Brennan Othmann from the New York Rangers in a deal built around two young forwards.
Maple Leafs acquire:
- Brennan Othmann
- 2026 fifth-round pick
Rangers acquire:
The proposed deal would be an intriguing one as Toronto would acquire Othmann, a former first-round pick who has failed to earn a roster spot and a late-round pick. In return, the Rangers would acquire Robertson, a skilled young NHL forward, and Benoit, a hard-nosed defenseman whom Toronto could move.
The Maple Leafs would acquire Othmann, who was selected 16th overall in 2021 but was sent down to the AHL. His name has come up in trade rumors, but Othmann could earn a spot on the Maple Leafs roster and add some offense and youth to the lineup. He’s skated in 22 career games, recording 2 assists.
In return, Toronto would give up Robertson, whose name has also come up in trade talks. Robertson was selected in the second round in 2019 and signed a one-year, $1.825 million deal with the Maple Leafs. Robertson could be a middle-six forward and add some offense for the Rangers. He recorded 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 69 games last season.
The Maple Leafs would also trade Benoit, who’s a hard-hitting third-pairing defenseman. Benoit is in the second year of his three-year, $4.05 million deal. Benoit has 1 assist in 5 games this season. Toronto has the likes of Henry Thrun and Philippe Myers, who could replace Benoit on the third-pairing.
Maple Leafs Shopping Robertson
Robertson cracked the Maple Leafs’ opening night lineup and looked to have finally cemented himself on the roster.
Despite his goal-scoring ability, he has struggled to be an every-game player for Toronto. Now, according to TSN’s NHL insider, Darren Dreger, the Maple Leafs are shopping Robertson.
“The 24-year-old finds himself one more time in a very familiar spot with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he’s hoping for a larger role, opportunity in the National Hockey League,” Dreger said on Insider Trading on Tuesday. “He’s pushing 160 NHL games. I know that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has recently talked with clubs that may have some interest in Nick Robertson. Given the depth that the Maple Leafs have, it’s a tough spot for Robertson. So maybe it’s time to give him a fresh start somewhere else.”
Robertson could be on the outside looking in for a roster spot with Easton Cowan playing well, and Scott Laughton coming back soon from an injury. With that, Robertson could be dealt as Toronto looks to get assets back for him.
Rangers Open to Trading Othmann
When New York drafted Othmann, the plan was for him to be a top-six scoring forward.
However, Othmann hasn’t been able to crack the NHL, and now insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that teams are interested in trading for the forward.
“It’s early and most teams try to wait until making moves, but there is at least one name gaining traction out there,” Friedman wrote. “That’s New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann. Othmann was sent down to AHL Hartford after failing to make the NHL team, and, since that occurred, there’s been conversations with other clubs about his future.
“The Rangers have a lot on the wings and it simply may be that he needs a fresh start elsewhere. We will see where things go, but there’s definitely discussion about the next steps of his career. Stay tuned.”
Othmann has 1 assist in 1 game in the AHL this season.
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