New Trade Idea Floats Veteran Center as Answer to Leafs’ Depth Concerns

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

A new trade pitch from Tristin McKinstry has the Maple Leafs bringing in some heavy-duty center depth although it’s going to cost them a potential breakout forward.

With all the discussion about who the Maple Leafs should bring in via trade in order to shore up their top-six, it’s starting to get a tad worrisome that Brad Treliving hasn’t made some type of deal, but perhaps he’s just waiting for the best one.

Though, there is always a chance he could be still holding out for Jack Roslovic, who is still unsigned and suddenly has been radio silent over the past week; but without that he needs to make some type of move to add some help somewhere.

What the Trade Proposal Suggests

So what if he switches gears and gives Toronto another center who could let Nic Roy take over the 2C with Tavares on the wing, while not sacrificing defense or face-off potential?

Here’s what he thinks about his proposed deal from both teams’ perspectives:

The Maple Leafs could certainly use a bit more depth at center. Especially considering how Scott Laughton performed following his trade from the Philadelphia Flyers at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline.

Henrique won’t replace Marner or carry the team on his back, but he can certainly give them important minutes late in his career.

However, they need to become a more balanced team. The Florida Panthers had success shutting down Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard in the Final. When those three aren’t performing, it’s hard for Edmonton to score goals.

McMann is coming off an impressive 20-goal season. The 29-year-old could continue this pace surrounded by the sort of playmakers the Oilers have.

McKinstry must hope that McMann could find a consistent stride in Edmonton and perhaps playing with some high level talent could help; though he had that in Toronto as well.

The move might come as a bit of a surprise given that McMann broke out last season and hit 20 goals, plus with Mitch Marner gone they need as much offense as possible.But bringing in Henrique, a 15-year veteran would be a great move overall. He’s a great Craig Berube-esque player who fights hard for pucks, is defensively sound, can pitch in offensively, and puts his body on the line.

Last season with the Oilers, he had 27 points in 81 games (12 goals, 15 assists) but does have 557 points in 993 games and is a former 30-goal scorer; so the offensive potential is there.

Why Depth at Center Remains a Leafs Priority

But for as good as they’ve done to improve their center depth with Nicolas Roy and still have Scott Laughton patrolling the fourth line, however there may be a time where Roy needs to move up to cover for John Tavares, which leaves a hole on the 3C.

So sacrificing McMann for Henrique solves that issue, and with Nick Robertson waiting to break out himself, the removal of one forward opens up a wing spot for him on the third line.

Plus, they need as much help up the middle as possible. With Auston Matthews‘ injury concerns, and John Tavares getting older and potentially on the cusp of regressing; it becomes the Roy and Laughton show.

That’s tough to see them take a premier spot with one of the better centers out, so bringing in someone who can still contribute both ways and has been very durable in his career is a great insurance policy.

So if the team was concerned they were only going to get a good couple years out of Bobby McMann, perhaps it’ll make things a bit smoother down the line if they bring in Adam Henrique to patrol their pivot.

Previously on HockeyPatrol

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New Trade Idea Floats Veteran Center as Answer to Leafs’ Depth Concerns

Would you trade Bobby McMann for Adam Henrique?