Maple Leafs scouts take in all-Canadian matchup, so who are they really watching?

Jun 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager Brad Treliving is introduced as club president Brendan Shanahan looks on at a press conference at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

A Toronto Maple Leafs pro scout was spotted in Montreal for the Canadiens match against the Vancouver Canucks.

Toronto Maple Leafs pro scout Jim Roque was named as one scout registered for the Montreal Canadiens game against the Vancouver Canucks.

Roque was on a list of scouts at the Bell Centre’s press box on scouting duties, one of many names that include Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios.

It’s unclear the specific reason for Roque being at the game, if the Leafs had him out in Montreal to scout a specific player on either team.

What’s notable is that Roque’s past postings have had him focused on USA hockey, and he is scouting two Canadian games, there may be a reason for this in his daughter, Abby Roque, a member of the PWHL Montreal Victoire.

The Victoire played the Vancouver Goldeneyes in Quebec City the day prior, and have a game in Laval the next day, but then Roque was given a scouting assignment, and there’s some names that could make sense to keep tabs on.

Canucks trade chips could intrigue Leafs as Vancouver signals rebuild

The Vancouver Canucks appear poised to be sellers eventually this season, as Canucks GM Patrik Allvin spoke earlier this week, saying that the team was ‘transitioning’ into a rebuilding phase.

Vancouver has a few trade chips that could be valuable assets for other clubs to take a wager on for the right price, with forward being of the most note.

One name that has drawn trade buzz as of recent out of Vancouver is Kiefer Sherwood. The 30-year-old is on the final year of a $1.5-million contract with the Canucks and has 17 goals and 23 points in 44 games this season.

A two-way player who can play in the middle-six on the wing, Sherwood has a decent ask, a recent report from Frank Seravalli indicated that a second-round pick is around the value Vancouver is looking for in a deal for Kiefer Sherwood.

However, Sherwood wasn’t playing against Montreal, due to injury which has him out as day-to-day, making it unlikely that he’s the player being viewed, or if he was meant to, the focus has shifted.

A recent healthy scratch, DeBrusk could be a depth end on the wing at a cheaper price than Sherwood, although reports indicate Vancouver is only in the listening stage with DeBrusk, the team not having any real urgency to move on there.

Currently in last place in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks are likely beginning to evaluate their options and see what players could net them rebuilding parts with the Maple Leafs on high alert for who they could pluck from their Canadian counterparts.