As the Maple Leafs look to make strategic trades, an NHL analyst suggests that one of their top prospects may play a crucial role.
With the trade deadline approaching on March 7, Brad Treliving has significant work ahead to identify the best additions for the Maple Leafs, not just for the rest of the regular season but also for an impactful playoff run. To achieve this, the team may need to make some changes, and according to NHL analyst Justin Bourne, this likely involves trading either Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan.
While it’s difficult to imagine the Maple Leafs parting with either of their top prospects, the urgency to win is pressing. Bourne emphasizes that this isn’t a year for building depth, but rather a time to make bold moves.
“The Leafs shouldn’t settle for just adding a couple of bottom-six grinders and a seventh defenseman at the deadline. This year is unique, with no clear favorites, and the Leafs have as much opportunity as any other team. They need to stand out with a significant acquisition.”
However, making such a big move comes with considerable costs, both financially and in terms of assets. Toronto may need to part ways with one of their top prospects (or possibly Nikita Grebenkin, whose potential could interest several teams) and will also have to give up their 2026 first-round pick.
Regarding Minten, he has already demonstrated his NHL capability; although his scoring hasn’t yet taken off, he has tremendous upside and would at least be a strong second-line center or an excellent third-line player.
Bourne highlights Minten’s readiness as a crucial factor: “Minten is a player who would excite another team (he can contribute in the NHL right now and is, at worst, a highly intelligent two-way center on the third line).”
In his 15 appearances with the Maple Leafs, Minten has contributed two goals and two assists, primarily serving in an emergency role. He was drafted by Toronto 38th overall in 2022.
Cowan, on the other hand, presents a more intriguing prospect. Not yet in the NHL, he has been excelling in the OHL with the London Knights. Despite a less-than-stellar performance at the World Juniors, his talent is undeniable.
Still, he’s a bit of a gamble, as it’s uncertain whether his junior success will translate to the NHL. Bourne notes that even though Cowan is still relatively unknown, he remains a captivating prospect: “Cowan poses a higher upside with more risk on the downside, making him attractive to any selling team.”
With the Knights, Cowan has 17 goals and 20 assists in 27 games and has an incredible regular-season point streak of 63 games stretching back to the previous season.
Toronto does have several trade options. If they can bundle a deal involving their second-round pick (from Florida), Grebenkin, and an expiring contract like Connor Dewar or Conor Timmins, they might be able to acquire Ryan O’Reilly from the Predators.
O’Reilly has a reasonable salary of $ 4.5M, and moving Dewar/Timmins’ salary along with a potential top-nine forward in Grebenkin and a late second-round pick (between 55-64) could be enough to convince GM Barry Trotz to let him go, especially given the team’s struggles this season.
Another possibility is Sean Kuraly, who has a lower cap hit of $ 2.5M and wouldn’t require as much in terms of assets. Toronto also has several picks and mid-tier prospects like Topi Niemala and could consider packaging AHL leading scorer Alex Steeves to bolster the main roster without overspending.
Ultimately, Toronto is determined to make a trade. The real question is: How urgent are they to enhance their chances for immediate success, and will that come at the expense of their future?
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