NHL Insider Links Two Beloved Veteran Centers To The Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively exploring options to add depth at the center position before the NHL trade deadline on March 7.
As reported by Maple Leafs Daily, according to a report by Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, two names stand out as potential targets and they are Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken.
The main piece for these trades could be Nick Robertson who still have value on the trade market.
Steve Simmons believes Nelson would be an ideal third-line center for the Leafs by complementing a lineup that already includes Auston Matthews and John Tavares down the middle.
At 6-foot-4 and with 12 NHL seasons under his belt, Nelson brings veteran leadership and a proven ability to perform in the playoffs as showed by his 27 postseason goals in 78 games.
Simmons suggests that acquiring Nelson would likely require a first-round pick and additional assets, potentially including young players like Nick Robertson or goalie Dennis Hildeby.
The second option is Yanni Gourde and he offers a slightly different skill set since Gourde was important in the Tampa Bay Lightning's back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, but Simmons describes him as a "diminishing asset".
While Gourde's championship pedigree and defensive reliability are attractive, his potential impact may not be as significant as Brock Nelson's.
The Leafs' interest in adding a center coincides with Auston Matthews still sidelined due to injury, though recent updates suggest his return may be not so far.
Whether the Leafs pursue Nelson, Gourde, or another option they need to add depth at center as the team prepares for a playoff run.
With trade talks heating up, the coming weeks will reveal whether Toronto can make a significant move to help their roster.
