Toronto Maple Leafs fans should be pleased with the work the franchise has done this offseason to reshape its roster.
However, it appears they are not finished yet and could still make another blockbuster move.
On the latest episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Maple Leafs are still monitoring the trade market, hoping to complete a blockbuster deal if the right opportunity arises.
“I think Toronto is also still hopeful to add another difference maker. Now, it may not be now; it may be later, but I think that’s what they’re considering,” Friedman said.
“You know, they didn’t give up any of their futures, really. And I think that they have, and they even restocked some. I think they kind of looked at it as: we kept that powder dry to stay alive in any opportunities that might arise. So that’s one thing with Toronto.”
Maple Leafs ‘still hopeful’ to add difference-maker
Even so, Friedman also added that Toronto is fully aware of who its star will be next season: forward Auston Matthews.
“But I do think, and I think the whole organization feels this way, that they really believe that Matthews is still the elite of the elite. They really believe it. And they are hoping that he shows up healthy and ready to go, and he drives the bus.”
During the previous season, there were questions surrounding Matthews, 28, after he failed to reach the level he displayed at the Olympics, where he won the gold medal with Team USA, and he also suffered an injury late in the season, preventing him from making the kind of impact expected during what turned out to be a disappointing campaign.
Friedman is not the only one to confirm the Maple Leafs’ plans, as general manager John Chayka addressed the topic earlier in July.
According to comments reported by Sportsnet, Chayka said the team already has good stability throughout its lineup, but if they have the opportunity to add more difference-makers, they will try to do so.