As the NHL approaches its annual holiday roster freeze, it's a stark reminder that the 2025 NHL trade deadline is just months away. While there's still plenty of time until the deadline, once the roster freeze lifts, much of the news surrounding the NHL will turn into rumors and rumors as teams prepare for the players they can acquire before the March 7, 2025 deadline. guess.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, this is shaping up to be one of their most promising seasons in the Auston Matthews era. A strong roster is in place, and general manager Brad Treliving will make calls to try and add players to improve the team's chances of making a deep playoff run. Treliving's goal is to find players who will fit into Toronto's system and provide the edge needed to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Ryan O'Reilly – Nashville Predators
Is it time for a reunion? Ryan O'Reilly left Toronto as a free agent after the 2023-24 season, signing a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators for an average annual salary of $4.5 million. O'Reilly could be a trade candidate due to the current state of the team in Nashville, and the Maple Leafs could be the frontrunner for his services. The Predators may be looking to accumulate assets to help them through a minor shakeup, and the Maple Leafs have some names that could help them. Players like Alex Steves, Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg could be helpful in getting a deal done with the Predators.
Related: Maple Leafs' Stolarz to miss 4-6 weeks after knee surgery
O'Reilly will get chance to reunite with head coach Craig He thrived with the St. Louis Blues under Berube, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in the 2019 Stanley Cup. Berube's system, which emphasizes defensive responsibility and physicality, meshes perfectly with O'Reilly's skill set, making him an ideal fit for Toronto once again. Now that Berube is on the bench, he might be willing to return to his boyhood team and try to win trophies. His health is there; he was consistent with John Tavares and Mitch Marner during his last tenure. This time, though, he could find a center spot on the second or third line. Ideally, he would become the team's 3C, making them more of a three-headed monster in the middle.
Brock Nelson – New York Islanders
New York Islanders' Brock Nelson is one of the most underrated stars in the NHL. Nelson is coming off another strong season in 2023-24, scoring 36 goals and 39 assists for 75 points in 82 games. He has the ability to drive offense while maintaining defensive responsibilities. He has been a mainstay for the Islanders throughout his time with them, but all good things must come to an end. Given the Islanders' poor performance this season, Nelson could become their preferred trade option.
Nelson is currently under contract through the 2024-25 season with a cap hit of $6 million, making him an attractive target for a team like Toronto. It would be nice if the Maple Leafs could allow the Islanders to keep 50% of his salary cap hit while giving up a player like David Kampf who has a higher salary cap hit. This will make it easier for them to add another piece on the blue line. For the Maple Leafs, his ability to play center or wing adds versatility, and his skill at stepping up in key games will help solve their playoff woes. Nelson would be a perfect fit on the team's second line alongside former Islanders captain Tavares and William Nylander.
Chris Kreider – New York Rangers
Given the New York Rangers' poor performance this season, NHL insider Elliott Friedman said they are “open for business.” Chris Kreider is one of the biggest names on their roster. He's a proven playoff player and one who thrives in high-pressure situations. He brings speed, net presence and the ability to score clutch goals; he was instrumental in the Rangers' recent playoff run. The 33-year-old has scored 39 goals and 36 assists for 75 points and added 10 goals and six assists for 16 points in 20 playoff games this season. Kreider has a salary cap hit of $6.5 million over the next three seasons, which could make it difficult for the Maple Leafs to add him to the lineup. However, it would be feasible if they waived players like Kempf, Ryan Reeves and Kale Jarncrok and remained on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) throughout the season.
Related: Maple Leafs depth scoring at just the right time
For the Maple Leafs, his physical play will complement their core group of highly skilled forwards. Kreider's versatility as a tight end who can also contribute on special teams will add depth and balance to Toronto's lineup. He would be a perfect fit on the third line with Max Domi and Bobby McMahon, or on the second line with Tavares and Nylander, similar to Nelson.
The Maple Leafs have often been criticized for their lack of scoring and grit in the postseason. Each of these players will bring the qualities a team needs to advance to the early rounds. Kreider's physicality, O'Reilly's leadership and Nelson's versatility will fill specific gaps in Toronto's lineup. Acquiring one of these players could be the difference between another disappointing playoff exit and a deep Stanley Cup run.
Source link
