The Toronto Maple Leafs’ most pressing need is clear: a bona fide top-six winger. While players like Matias Maccelli and Bobby McMann are currently filling those roles, it’s no secret that General Manager Brad Treliving is actively working the phones to find a more permanent, high-impact solution as the team navigates the early stages of the season.

With over $20 million in projected cap space heading into the summer and most of the core roster locked up, the Leafs once seemed positioned to land a major free agent. That market, however, has evaporated as stars like Kirill Kaprizov, Connor McDavid, Kyle Connor, and Jack Eichel have all signed extensions with their respective teams. This shift makes the trade market the most likely avenue for a significant upgrade, and today, a new potential target has emerged.

Toronto and New York Emerge as Suitors for Necas

This morning, NHL reporter James Murphy revealed that both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers have shown interest in forward Martin Necas. Reports indicate that this isn’t new, as both franchises were reportedly interested in Necas before his trade to the Colorado Avalanche. They aren’t alone; the Anaheim Ducks, Philadelphia Flyers, and San Jose Sharks are also monitoring the situation with varying levels of interest in a potential trade and extension.

Murphy highlighted the two biggest contenders in the rental market:

“I’ll tell you one thing: when it comes to trading for him at least as a rental, I’d be watching the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers. …if, as I expect, the Rangers will be back in the playoff hunt.”

Why Necas is the Perfect Fit for Toronto’s Lineup

On paper, Necas is precisely the type of player the Maple Leafs need. As a versatile forward who can play both center and right wing, he offers invaluable lineup flexibility. Standing at 6’3” and nearly 200 pounds, Necas leverages his large frame to play a possession-heavy style. While not an overly physical player, he uses his body effectively to shield the puck and can lay a hit to separate defenders from the puck when needed.

His most impressive asset, however, is his elite offensive generation.

In 442 career NHL games, he has been on the ice for 8,779 scoring chances for, compared to just 5,255 against. Necas does require some defensive sheltering, starting 64.2% of his shifts in the offensive zone. He has experience killing penalties from his time in Carolina but hasn’t seen significant minutes in that role since the 2022-23 season. 

The Prohibitive Cost: What Would a Necas Trade Take?

While Necas could be the perfect addition, the likely acquisition cost via trade will be a significant hurdle. The Maple Leafs are without a first-round pick for the next two years, severely limiting their trade capital. A deal would likely require Treliving to part with top-tier prospects like Easton Cowan and Ben Danford, a price that may be too steep to pay.

Should a trade prove impossible, Necas is slated to be one of the top available unrestricted free agents this summer, and it would be no surprise to see the Leafs target him then.

In my opinion, Necas is the exact complementary piece the Leafs need for their core of Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and William Nylander. With Avalanche superstar Cale Makar in need of a massive new contract after next season, Colorado will likely prioritize his signing over Necas, potentially forcing their hand. Only time will tell if a deal can be made, but the fit in Toronto is undeniable.