Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Their Top Trade Target to Injury
The Toronto Maple Leafs' search for center depth has hit another setback since one of their potential trade targets in Yanni Gourde is set to miss time after having surgery for a sports hernia.
The Seattle Kraken forward is expected to miss 5-7 weeks which is throwing away Toronto's potential plans to acquire him before the NHL trade deadline.
Toronto Maple Leafs just lost one of heir main target for the NHL trade deadline
Gourde was seen as a perfect fit for the Leafs' third-line center role since he is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Tampa Bay.
He brings playoff experience and can contribute offensively, but with an expiring contract and a down year in production with just 16 points in 35 games, Yanni Gourde could have been available at a discount.
The injury comes at a time when the Maple Leafs need help at center has been exposed in the last few games.
While John Tavares is expected to return soon, his absence showed Toronto's lack of depth at the position of center.
Making matters worse, Yanni Gourde's surgery is the same procedure that has kept Calle Jarnkrok sidelined for a very long period of time.
If his recovery follows the same path, he may not be back before the playoffs and it's making him a far less good option for a deadline acquisition.
Whether through a trade or internal promotion, Toronto must address this issue if they hope to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Their next test comes against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday as they try to stop a three-game losing streak.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1 | 198 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Their Top Trade Target to Injury Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will find help at the center before the trade deadline? | ||
| Yes | 149 | 75.3 % |
| No | 49 | 24.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
