As the Maple Leafs explore potential trade options, one NHL analyst suggests that one of their top prospects could play a crucial role in making a deal happen.

With the March 7 trade deadline approaching, Brad Treliving faces a significant challenge in securing the right additions to strengthen the team—not just for the remainder of the regular season but also for a deep playoff run.

However, making such a move will require giving up key assets, and according to NHL analyst Justin Bourne, that likely means parting with either Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan.

It’s difficult to envision the Maple Leafs parting with either of their top prospects, Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan, but with their championship window wide open, now is the time to go all in.

NHL analyst Justin Bourne emphasizes that this isn’t the year for minor depth moves, stating:

*”The Leafs don’t need a deadline where they add a couple bottom-six grinders and a seventh defenseman. It’s a weird year, without any clear favorites, and the Leafs have as good a chance as any other team. They need to separate themselves with a bigger move.”*

However, making a significant trade comes with a steep price—both financially and in terms of assets. Toronto may have to sacrifice one of their top prospects, potentially even Nikita Grebenkin, whose upside could attract multiple teams. Additionally, parting with their 2026 first-round pick might be necessary to land a high-impact player.

Fraser Minten has already shown he can compete at the NHL level. While his scoring hasn’t fully developed yet, his potential is undeniable—at worst, he projects as a strong third-line center with high-end two-way ability, and at best, a solid second-line option.

NHL analyst Justin Bourne believes Minten’s NHL readiness makes him an especially valuable trade chip:

*”Minten is a guy who would get another team excited (he can play in the NHL today and is, at worst, a very high IQ two-way third-line center).”*

In 15 games with the Maple Leafs, Minten has registered two goals and two assists, primarily being used in emergency situations. Toronto originally selected him 38th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Easton Cowan, on the other hand, is the more intriguing prospect. While he has yet to make his NHL debut, he has been lighting up the OHL with the London Knights. His World Juniors performance may not have lived up to fans’ expectations, but his raw skill and potential remain undeniable.

Cowan remains somewhat of a wild card, as it’s uncertain whether his junior success will seamlessly translate to the NHL. However, despite being a relative unknown at the pro level, his potential is undeniable.

As Justin Bourne explains:

*”Cowan is the higher upside, higher risk on the downside play, so you have a prospect who would suit just about any selling team’s fancy.”*

With the London Knights, Cowan has been electric, posting 17 goals and 20 assists in 27 games. He also boasts an incredible 63-game regular-season point streak dating back to last season.

Toronto does have other trade options, though. They could potentially package their second-round pick (via Florida), Nikita Grebenkin, and an expiring contract—such as Connor Dewar or Conor Timmins—to make a play for Ryan O’Reilly from the Predators.

O’Reilly is relatively affordable at $4.5M, and if Toronto moves out the contracts of Dewar or Timmins while including a potential top-nine forward in Grebenkin and a late second-round pick (somewhere between 55-64), it could be enough to convince GM Barry Trotz to part ways with him—especially with Nashville’s playoff hopes looking slim.

Another potential target is Sean Kuraly, a more budget-friendly option at $2.5M who wouldn’t require as much in return. Toronto has a surplus of draft picks and mid-tier prospects like Topi Niemelä, and they could even package AHL leading scorer Alex Steeves in a deal to bolster the roster without making a major sacrifice.

One way or another, the Maple Leafs will get a trade done. The real question is: Just how desperate are they to win now, and will it come at the expense of their future?