Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
If the Maple Leafs need some extra firepower come mid-season, they should look to target Utah’s Nick Schmaltz after a new report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.As Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs try to navigate through a thin free agent and trade market, they might be able to get a deal done, but nothing is guaranteed and fans might see the team just stand pat and see what they can do with the pieces they’ve already brought in.
Though they are working hard to bring in a top-six player, that’s easier said than done, and with a lack of assets it’ll be a tough road to travel, though the Leafs GM has been known to have a surprise or two up his tailored sleeve.
Nick Schmaltz viewed as possible trade target…later on
But if they don’t get a deal done now, perhaps they can ride it out until mid-season or at the deadline, and according to Elliotte Friedman, they may have a target.
I know there were three or four teams that were in on Maccelli, I heard Boston and Edmonton were two of them, but one name from Utah that I’m curious about is Nick Schmaltz and where he’ll be in a few months.
They did bring in JJ Peterka though from Buffalo, and he and Schmaltz along with Clayton Keller are expected to help Utah potentially sneak into a playoff berth.
Why Toronto needs to keep an eye on Utah and Nick Schmaltz
But if the Mammoth are struggling in 2025-26 and can get some long-term assets for a pending free agent; they are going to take that offer.
So that means Toronto needs to be proactive and keep an eye on things out in the Central Division, as Schmaltz is a perfect top-six threat who might be destined for a change of scenery.
Schmaltz, 29, had 63 points in 82 games with the Mammoth (20 goals, 43 assists) and has 423 points in 588 career games spent with Chicago, Arizona and Utah.One of the hopes is that Toronto is able to get another solid year out of a player like Bobby McMann, or Nick Robertson in order to build their trade value and potentially do a swap for Schmaltz (and if they struggle, gets them off the books).
As it stands right now, Toronto is being patient in order to make their forward contingent better. It might be frustrating at first glance, but it’s all part of a bigger plan for Brad Treliving.
Plus, you’d have a top-six that looks like this:
Knies – Matthews – Maccelli
Schmaltz – Tavares – Nylander
Those six players all have the potential to hit 20 goals, and with Matthews fully healthy and motivated without Marner by his side, could get back to his 50+ goal output.
William Nylander has three straight 40-goal seasons and may flirt with 50 in this upcoming one as well; this team won’t have trouble scoring.
They just need to add Schmaltz to their ranks in order to maximize that offensive potential.
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Versatile Top-Six Forward Emerging as Prime In-Season Trade Candidate for Maple Leafs
Do you think the Maple Leaf should target Nick Schmaltz from Utah?