Maple Leafs need to bring back this former forward at all costs
The Toronto Maple Leafs' strong start under GM Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube shows their resilience and depth, especially during Auston Matthews' absence.
Despite ranking 7th lowest in 5v5 goals-for, they've excelled defensively, posting the league's second-best goals-against rate.
Injuries to Matthews, Max Pacioretty, and Matthew Knies have contributed to their offensive dip, but Craig Berube's system has transformed the Leafs into a defensively disciplined team.
Sitting at the top of the Atlantic Division with a 13-7-2 record, the Leafs have relied heavily on their goaltenders, Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll.
However, one key position remains weak and this is the third-line center position.
As said by The Leafs Nation, Ryan O'Reilly's name has surfaced as a potential solution and the speculations began with The Athletic's James Mirtle.
«The front office still loves him. They tried to keep him. He doesn't have a no-move or no-trade clause, Nashville has talked about potentially tearing it down, they're in 31st place in the league, it's not impossible.»
Ryan O'Reilly is currently with the struggling Nashville Predators and could be an intriguing trade deadline acquisition for the Leafs.
His familiarity with Craig Berube under whom he won a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy suggests he might fit better now than during his brief stint in Toronto last season.
Acquiring Ryan O'Reilly would depend on Nashville's willingness to sell at the trade deadline and the cost would likely be similar to last year's with a first-round pick and prospect package.
The Maple Leafs' 5v5 scoring struggles are evident, with a GF/60 of just 1.26 during Auston Matthews' absence. Despite ranking 7th lowest in 5v5 goals-for, they've excelled defensively, posting the league's second-best goals-against rate. Injuries to Matthews, Max Pacioretty, and Matthew Knies have contributed to their offensive dip, but Craig Berube's system has transformed the Leafs into a defensively disciplined team. Meanwhile, the Rangers' willingness to explore bold moves with key players serves as a reminder that Toronto may need to reassess its core if postseason success remains elusive, despite their current first-place standing in the Atlantic.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 30 | 193 ANSWERS Maple Leafs need to bring back this former forward at all costs Would bringing Ryan O'Reilly back would be a good move for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 76 | 39.4 % |
| No | 117 | 60.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
