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Jay on Leafs.. Second Chances & Smart Spending |
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Second Chances & Smart Spending: The Search for the Leafs' Next Top Forward Part 2
Following our look at Jared McCann and Evgeny Kuznetsov, we now turn to two more candidates the Maple Leafs could target to bolster their top-six forward group. We begin with a 22-year-old who was poised for a breakout season but instead found himself moved from the center position entirely. He represents a potential buy-low candidate with significant upside if he can rediscover his form at the NHL level.
Cole Sillinger
Drafted 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in 2021, Sillinger made an immediate jump to the NHL, scoring an impressive 16 goals and 15 assists in his rookie season. However, he struggled in his sophomore year, which led to a demotion to the AHL. While Sillinger bounced back with 13 goals and 19 assists in his third season, his development stagnated when he was expected to take another step forward, eventually leading to a shift to the wing.
With the Blue Jackets looking to contend, Sillinger now finds himself down the depth chart behind established centers like Adam Fantilli, Sean Monahan, and Boone Jenner. As top prospect Cayden Lindstrom is also expected to push for an NHL spot, moving Sillinger before his next contract negotiation makes strategic sense for Columbus. At 6’1” and over 200 pounds, Sillinger brings the physical edge and defensive responsibility that head coach Craig Berube covets.
The cost to acquire Sillinger would likely be high, but he is precisely the type of player for whom the Leafs should consider making top prospects like Easton Cowan available. Should Columbus put him on the market, Toronto should be at the front of the line, willing to part with significant assets to acquire him.
The final option for the Maple Leafs is a familiar face who became a fan favorite during his lone season in Toronto. After just one year with the Chicago Blackhawks, reports suggest the team is already displeased with some of its veteran players, potentially opening the door for a reunion. The last forward the Leafs should consider is none other than Tyler Bertuzzi.
Tyler Bertuzzi
Before ultimately deciding to ride shotgun with Connor Bedard in Chicago, Bertuzzi and his camp worked diligently with Brad Treliving to find a path for him to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf. Unfortunately, the two parties couldn't reach an agreement, and Bertuzzi departed in free agency. One year later, he should be a top target on the Leafs' wish list.
After battling injuries earlier in his career, Bertuzzi has been remarkably durable over the last two seasons, playing in 162 of a possible 164 games. During that span, he has scored 44 goals, but most importantly, he has proven chemistry with Auston Matthews. Arguably, Matthews played some of his best hockey on a line with Bertuzzi and Max Domi.
Trading for Bertuzzi to reunite that line would allow the Maple Leafs to shift Matthew Knies down to the second line alongside William Nylander, alleviating much of the pressure on finding a perfect second-line center. Given the likely reasonable acquisition cost, Bertuzzi should be Toronto's primary target. If Chicago were willing to accept a player like Calle Järnkrok or David Kämpf as part of the return, this move would be a no-brainer for the Leafs.
With over two months left in the off-season, Brad Treliving still has his work cut out for him.
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