The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to add to the top-six, and one trade idea has them acquiring a young star forward to build around.
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Maple Leafs acquire Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks.
Maple Leafs acquire:
Ducks acquire:
- Easton Cowan
- Max Domi
- 2028 third-round pick
The proposed deal would be a massive move as Toronto would acquire McTavish, who’s an RFA forward, for a top prospect, a draft pick, and an NHL forward.
Toronto would acquire McTavish, who adds some youth to the lineup and can be a top-six forward, which is needed. Part of the trade would be an extension for the 22-year-old. McTavish can be the Maple Leafs’ second-line left winger, which is a major need for the team. McTavish recorded 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 76 games.
In return, the Maple Leafs would deal a third-round pick as well as Cowan, who is the team’s top prospect. Cowan could compete for an NHL roster spot in Anaheim and fits in nicely with the Ducks’ young core.
The Maple Leafs would also trade Domi to make the salary work. Domi has three years left on his four-year, $15 million deal, and his name has come up in trade talks. Last season, Domi recorded 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 74 games.
Maple Leafs Have Need for Top-Six Scorer
Toronto has a clear need for another top-six forward after trading Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Although Marner played right wing, left wing is still a need, and McTavish could fit that role. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has also made it clear that the team is looking to add a top-six forward to help replace the void of Marner.
“When a player of Mitch’s magnitude moves away, that’s never a fun day,” Treliving said. “But we were able to recoup a player who I think can really help us. And in a situation where a player was walking away this morning for nothing, we were able to recoup a player that fits a need for us… Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole. That’s really where our focus is.”
The Maple Leafs will look to replace Marner’s 102 points by committee, and McTavish could help fill that need. He also fits in nicely, adding some more youth to the lineup, which is also needed.
McTavish’s Hopeful to Stay in Anaheim
McTavish’s name has come up in trade rumors as he remains an RFA and is without a contract.
However, NHL insider Marco D’Amico of RG.org had a source tell him that McTavish doesn’t want to be traded from the Ducks.
“McTavish doesn’t want to leave Anaheim and GMs are very hesitant to give up their 2026 1st round picks in advance in what is supposed to be a stacked 2026 draft,” said a league source to RG.org. “Right now, teams are using offer sheets as a threat, but that won’t work on Anaheim. They routinely take their time with their RFAs and this is nothing new.”
McTavish was drafted third overall in 2021.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Trade Pitch Has Maple Leafs Acquiring 22-Year-Old Star Forward appeared first on Heavy Sports.