Two Highly-Skilled Young Forwards Suddenly Available and Each Would Be a Great Fit for the Maple Lea
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro – Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to shake things up just as two highly-skilled young forwards have become available on the trade market, and each is a great fit in Toronto.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are lacking depth and one way to address that this summer is to find more cost-controlled pieces that can fill-in the roster. While Mitch Marner‘s status remains in limbo, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that he will test the UFA market, which the Leafs should use to their advantage in a blockbuster-type sign-and-trade.Reports from Frank Seravalli and Marco D’Amico suggest that both J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres and Marco Rossi from the Minnesota Wild are unhappy with their current situations and are on the trading block this summer.
Peterka is coming off a career-season with 27 goals and 68 points in 77 games, which is a year removed from a 28-goal and 50-point season in 2023-24. Rossi claimed a career-year as well with 24 goals and 60 points in 80 games, but was relegated to fourth line duties during the playoffs.
Additionally, things have been at a stalemate between Rossi and the Wild with the former having reportedly rejected a 5-year extension earlier in the year. It sounds like both sides are on the same page when it comes to finding the player greener pastures.
Mitch Marner Could Help The Maple Leafs Facilitate A Deal For A Quality Trade Package
Where Marner fits into this equation is that the Leafs can look for a potential sign-and-trade in an attempt to secure the services of either forward. If Brad Treliving and company know they won’t be keeping him beyond July 1st, they should do whatever they can to maximize his return.
In Buffalo, Marner can be the hero that finally pushes them over the line and into the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. It’s also worth noting that Marner is from nearby Markham, Ontario and happens to be a massive Buffalo Bills fans.
When it comes to Minnesota, Marner can jump right in with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy on an established playoff team, while dealing with a lot less media scrutiny.
It’s a creative idea that the Leafs could use in order to shake things up and address their clearest needs. In either Peterka and Rossi, a new contract shouldn’t eclipse more than $6.5 million per season, leaving the Leafs with some much need cap space to fill in the roster further.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
MAPLELEAFSDAILY.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMSÂ Â –Â Â POLICIES