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A new report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast showed that Toronto might be able to add forward Hendrix Lapierre to boost their depth.With the Toronto Maple Leafs adding some much needed depth and youth to their lineup with the inclusion of guys like Matias Maccelli, it’s showing a shift in dynamic for the team as they continue to transition into this new era of the franchise.
They added a slew of young NCAA talent last season, and they’ve brought in several capable NHL players who are able to weather any storm that might come their way.
Could Hendrix Lapierre Be the Type of Player Toronto Targets Next?
However, they may have the opportunity to add one more.
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, the Washington Capitals are on the fence regarding young forward Hendrix Lapierre, and might be looking to move on.
He hasn’t panned out in Washington, only skating in 87 games and posting 31 points (9 goals, 22 assists) but isn’t a terrible player, just hasn’t found the right fit.
But he does offer some fantastic puck-handling skills, has the ability to read plays at a moment’s notice, and is quite the speedy guy. He also plays center and is fairly bit at 6’0 and nearly 200 pounds.
If Toronto wants to move on from Scott Laughton this summer and make sure they have a young center to replace him (while also getting out from under David Kampf) then he would be a perfect fit while a player like Jacob Quillan can get a bit more seasoning.
What the Maple Leafs Might Offer to Land a Player Like Lapierre
But what can Toronto give to the Capitals in exchange? He is not worth a first round pick, and Brad Treliving doesn’t have too many assets, but perhaps a deal involving Nick Robertson and a mid-tier pick would be enough.
You’re replacing Robertson’s youth with Lapierre’s, with someone who has better production, plays a more valuable position and can contribute at both ends of the ice.
Sometimes things just don’t work out, much like the case of both Robertson and Lapierre, so giving both a change of scenery seems as if it’s a best-case scenario for both men.
It wouldn’t be the flashiest deal the Toronto Maple Leafs could do, but if they needed to move on from Nick Robertson while also improving their depth up the middle; then Hendrix Lapierre is their man.
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