The suggested deal would be significant, as Toronto would acquire Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Scott Mayfield in exchange for two NHL players and two draft picks, which includes a first-round selection. Pageau is currently in the fifth year of his six-year, $30 million contract and could serve as Toronto’s third-line center, a position they urgently need to fill.
He has played in 43 games this season, scoring 9 goals and providing 13 assists for a total of 22 points. Known for his solid defensive skills, he also contributes to the offense. On the other hand, Mayfield would strengthen Toronto’s defense. He is in the second year of his seven-year, $24.5 million deal with the Islanders and could fit into the second defensive pairing as a strong shutdown defender. He has recorded 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points over 45 games. A crucial aspect of the trade would be the draft picks, with Nick Robertson potentially being an important asset for the Islanders’ rebuilding efforts.
The former second-round pick is looking for a fresh start, having played 40 games this season with 8 goals and 4 assists for 12 points. Meanwhile, Jani Hakanpaa, who has struggled with injuries this season, would fill the void left by Mayfield on the Islanders’ defense before entering free agency.
Toronto needs help at center, especially with the injury to John Tavares.
Ahead of the March 7 trade deadline, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving says adding a center behind Auston Matthews and Tavares would be something he’s looking to do.
“How can you talk anything but positively of the year John’s had, right?” Treliving said. “So to say you’re going to go and get somebody above that, I don’t think that’s realistic. Is there ways that we can continue to look at adding to that? Sure. Sure, it’s one. But we, probably along with 15 or 18 other teams, would like to add center depth. So, it seems to be a position du jour.”
Although Treliving says he would like to add a center, he also is comfortable with the depth the team has.
“We’ve seen some guys come up and play well. It gives you a little insight into what you have within the organization. Guys get put into different roles. Guys from the Marlies come up,” Treliving said Monday at the club’s practice facility. I think we got (center) depth. Got lots of guys that can play the position. Is it an area that we continue to try to upgrade?”
Toronto is 30-16-2 and atop the Atlantic Division.
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