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3 Early Trade Candidates for the Maple Leafs

With the 2024-25 NHL season fast underway, it’ll only be a matter of time until the trade deadline comes knocking. With how the team is shaping up, the Maple Leafs will be strong buyers at the deadline. Ahead of the March 7th trade deadline, let’s look at 3 early trade candidates for the Maple Leafs.

Brock Nelson – New York Islanders

With the Leafs currently having some problems with depth scoring, Brock Nelson would help provide just that. Either slotting in on the wing or at center in the middle six, Nelson brings a strong scoring ability that would help the Leafs in the latter half of the season, and in the playoffs.

Nelson has developed into an excellent secondary goal scorer, all while being an effective playmaker. While he might not be utilized in the role on the Maple Leafs, Nelson is a fine penalty killer when needed. The 6’4″ 212lb center is a solid forward who doesn’t get knocked off the puck easily, making him effective in all areas in the offensive zone. Since 2022, Nelson has not missed a game, giving the team a strong sense of his availability. Nelson is in the final year of his deal that currently earns him $6M, so the Leafs would likely look for New York to retain some of his contract.

2021-24 Stats: 236GP, 107G, 96A, 203P

Frank Vatrano – Anaheim Ducks

Frank Vatrano is another player with similar usage to Brock Nelson. A skilled forward who would serve as a great secondary scoring option. Vatrano broke out in his first year with the Ducks, scoring 22 goals in 81 games. He followed up with 37 goals in 82 games the following year. Now, he has single-digit goals while playing on a low-offense, low-energetic Ducks squad. Vatrano would fit nicely on either wing in the middle-six, serving as the scoring winger beside either John Tavares, or Max Domi.

Vatrano is good on the cycle and helps his team keep possession in the offensive zone. He can play the body if needed, but doesn’t often as a 5’11” winger. Vatrano is in his final year of his 3-year contract, where he will make $3.65M. Anaheim could retain money, but with the value this contract already brings, Vatrano could be one of the most highly touted players on the trade block this season.

2021-24 Stats: 234GP, 77G, 56A, 133P

Nick Bjugstad – Utah Hockey Club

Bjudstad is a player that personally, I have wanted the Leafs to acquire for a while now. Bjudstad is a strong, two-way forward who has an edge to his game. He’s a 6’6″, strong and skilled forward who can slot in as your third or fourth line center, and he would be very serviceable.

Bjugstad is an ideal trade candidate for the Leafs, as Toronto always looks to trade for guys who serve the same kind of purpose that Bjugstad would. Ideally, Bjugstad would serve as a replacement to David Kampf or Pontus Holmberg. Bjugstad is in the final year of his two-year deal where he makes $2.1M per season.

2021-24 Stats: 211GP, 46G, 41A, 87P


There have been other names circulating that the Leafs might be interested in, but these three forwards make the most sense for Toronto, as they address the holes that currently affect the team. The Maple Leafs need depth scoring. It is an issue that they have been dealing with for multiple seasons, and these three players can address that problem, come playoffs.

With the deadline still months away, the Leafs have plenty of time to decide which route they would like to take. Don’t be surprised if they do acquire one of these players, as well as other depth additions to bolster their playoff roster.

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