Potential trade targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to surface ahead of the March 7 deadline. Not to mention, the club has reportedly been actively exploring ways to strengthen its center depth.
On Thursday’s version of TSN’s Insider Trading, NHL insider Darren Dreger identified St. Louis Blues center and captain Brayden Schenn as a player who could be on the Leafs’ radar if the Blues decide to shake things up.
“Some believe that there is potential that Brayden Schenn being traded by the St. Louis Blues. He is their captain, he does have a full no-trade clause, so it is a complicated process,” explained Dreger.
“But we also know Doug Armstrong, the general manager, very well – how aggressive he can be. And the Blues are underachieving right now. So yes, the top contenders looking at the market, looking for a center, are interested, and that would include the Toronto Maple Leafs. The return would have to be mammoth,” he added.
The 33-year-old is in the fifth year of an eight-year, $52 million contract with an annual cap hit of $6.5 million. His no-trade clause grants him full control over any potential move for the 2024-25 season.
Due to the circumstances, it’ll be tricky to maneuver around. As Dreger points out, the return would have to be substantial for the top-six center, likely centered on a package of prospects, and high draft picks.
St. Louis currently sits 11th in the Western Conference with 53 points in 55 games – three teams out of a wild-card spot and six points behind the Calgary Flames (59), who hold the second wild-card position.
“Is there a team that would be willing to pay it? It’s too soon to say, but I do believe that the Blues are at least testing or gauging the market to see what that level of interest is and, ultimately, probably have to make that call in the weeks ahead,” said Dreger.
Related: Report: Maple Leafs Targeting ‘Affordable Centers’ Ahead Of NHL Trade Deadline
Schenn has just 11 goals, 19 assists, and 30 points in 55 games for the Blues this season, with his production taking a dip over the last couple of years.
However, he has played under Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, winning the Stanley Cup in the 2018-19 season together. The former first-round pick has played with the Blues for eight seasons, now in his 16th NHL season, and approaching a major career milestone, having played 995 regular-season games with 271 goals, 394 assists, and 665 points.
Considering his track record and resume, the fit makes sense. Besides, given the Leafs’ injury struggles this season, general manager Brad Treliving has made it clear he prefers to acquire a center with term rather than a short-term rental. Schenn would fit that mold, should the Blues decide to move him.
“If there’s one (center) out there that fits, reliable on both sides of the puck, certainly somebody that can add offense, all those types of things. What you want and sometimes what’s available is, are two different things. So we’ll, we’ll keep looking,” said Treliving in January.
The Leafs have been linked to numerous centers over the past couple of months as the league inches closer to the annual trade deadline, most recently being linked to Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens.
NHL insider Kevin Weekes reported on Wednesday that Toronto is among several teams – including the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Detroit Red Wings – expressing interest in acquiring the 23-year-old.
Regardless, it seems clear by all accounts that the Leafs will certainly be in the mix to add to their center depth or make a splash by March 7 – but time will tell in the direction they choose.
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