Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Target Hit With Steep Asking Price
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly exploring options to help their roster ahead of the playoffs and the New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson I emerging as a potential target.
However, adding a player like Brock Nelson's won't be cheap and according to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
Brock Nelson asking price a bit steep for the Maple Leafs
Brock Nelson is known for his offensive production and two-way reliability and he would bring some stability to the Maple Leafs.
Over the past three seasons, he's been a consistent goal scorer and scored 34, 36 and 37 goals and he was contributing defensively and excelling in faceoffs.
That makes him an ideal fit for Craig Berube's system and the Leafs lineup.
Despite his slower pace this season of 10 goals and 11 assists in 40 games, Brock Nelson's track record suggests he would thrive in Toronto's top-six forward group.
However, he has a $6M cap hit and this is huge, and the Leafs' already really tight with their salary cap.
With Toronto not having any 2025 first-round pick, convincing the GM of the New Islanders, Lou Lamoriello, will be tough because he will need to accept prospects or mid-tier assets.
A trade for Brock Nelson would be like Toronto's acquisition of Ryan O'Reilly in 2022 and would be providing a veteran presence with proven playoff experience.
However, the price raises questions about the feasibility of move like the one talked in the article.
For Brad Treliving, the challenge lies in navigating these complexities to enhance the team's playoff prospects without mortgaging the future.
