Former Maple Leafs Player Identifies Two Trade Targets to Improve Toronto's Forward Group

Former Maple Leafs Player Identifies Two Trade Targets to Improve Toronto’s Forward Group originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jay Rosehill believes the team needs to make a bold push to strengthen its top six after trading Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Rosehill, discussing the topic on Friday’s episode of the “Leafs Morning Take” podcast, offered two specific names the Leafs should target this offseason, with the players currently under contract with the Calgary Flames and the New York Rangers.

“The one that stands out to me is Nazem Kadri,” Rosehill said regarding his No. 1 player to target. “I think if you put him on this roster, and you step back and look at it — especially the forward group — it’s like, oh my god. It looks really deep and really heavy, and the skill is still there.”

Kadri, who scored 35 goals last season for the Calgary Flames, has four years remaining on his deal with a $7 million annual cap hit.

Rosehill acknowledged that Calgary isn’t actively shopping Kadri but said the 34-year-old has all the Leafs need, including “a plethora of experience.”

“He’s won a Stanley Cup,” Rosehill said. “He’s hyper-focused on winning. He plays with that snarl, like, he’s got that (expletive) attitude. He’s kind of cocky. I want that.”

New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) celebrates a goal with center Vincent Trocheck (16).Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Rosehill pointed to Rangers center Vincent Trocheck as another strong option the Leafs should consider chasing.

“Another guy is Vincent Trocheck,” Rosehill said. “He’s 32 years old, so he’s got the experience. I just think that you put him in this lineup (and) he would fit; it’s like there’s kind of a big missing piece in this forward group, kind of in that middle-six type of deal.

“And to fill it with a high-end guy like Trocheck, it would just be like, the balance would just be humming.”

Trocheck scored 26 goals and had 59 total points last season and is under contract through 2029 at a $5.625 million cap hit.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.

Former Maple Leafs Player Identifies Two Trade Targets to Improve Toronto’s Forward Group

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