According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly narrowed their search for a center to a select group of targets.
In a recent report, Friedman stated that the Maple Leafs have trimmed their list to just a few potential options.
With the trade deadline approaching in less than a month, GM Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs face growing pressure to make a move to strengthen their forward depth.
The team has been connected to several players, including Brock Nelson ($6.5M), Ryan O’Reilly ($4.5M), Jake Evans ($1.7M), and Brayden Schenn ($6.5M), signaling that Toronto is looking for a significant addition.
As the Maple Leafs narrow their options, the question arises: Who are they targeting?
Top 3 Trade Targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs:
While Toronto likely needs more than just a center, let’s focus on that position for now.
Three potential affordable targets for the Maple Leafs could be Jake Evans, Scott Laughton, and Ryan Donato.
Jake Evans
At 28 years old, Evans is likely the most affordable option available. With contract extension talks between him and Montreal reportedly at a standstill, he could be an ideal pickup for Toronto.
So far this season, Evans has recorded 11 goals and 16 assists in 56 games for the Canadiens. Beyond his offensive contributions, he also brings solid defensive reliability, making him a well-rounded addition to the Leafs’ forward group.
Evans is a dependable two-way center who wins over 50% of his face-offs, plays strong defense down the middle, and boasts solid possession numbers. His versatility allows him to contribute on both special teams, featuring on the second unit of both the power play and penalty kill.
If acquired, he could slot in seamlessly on the third line alongside Bobby McMann, forming a reliable one-two punch.
The challenge, however, is whether Montreal would be willing to trade him within the division—especially to their biggest rival. While the Canadiens and Maple Leafs have made deals in the past, it remains a potential roadblock.
Scott Laughton
Recently, Laughton has been heavily linked to Toronto, and he would bring a similar skill set to Evans but with more experience and a more well-rounded game.
While Laughton has had some defensive struggles this season, much of that can be attributed to Philadelphia’s inconsistent defense and goaltending rather than his own play.
At 30 years old, he has posted 11 goals and 15 assists this season while also bringing a physical edge with 113 hits— a total that would place him behind only Steven Lorentz and Matthew Knies on the Maple Leafs. His experience, versatility, and physicality make him an intriguing option for Toronto.
Laughton’s versatility makes him a valuable asset, as he can play the penalty kill alongside David Kämpf or take charge of the second unit if head coach Craig Berube prefers to spread things out. Additionally, he generates a steady stream of shorthanded scoring chances, adding another dimension to his game.
Laughton also comes at a reasonable price, carrying a $3 million cap hit for this season and the next. If he fits well in Toronto, a potential contract extension wouldn’t be too much of a burden, especially with the salary cap set to rise.
Ryan Donato
Donato has been making a statement lately, seemingly boosting his trade value at the perfect time. Over his last four games, he’s racked up eight points, including a dominant four-point performance against Nashville. His recent surge only strengthens his case as a potential target for the Maple Leafs.
Ryan Donato
At 28 years old, Donato has been a bright spot for a struggling Chicago Blackhawks team, tallying 19 goals and 18 assists in 53 games. His offensive production would rank him near the top of the Maple Leafs’ scoring leaders, and his ability to win face-offs while maintaining strong defensive play further highlights his value.
Donato’s versatility allows him to slot into either Toronto’s second or third line, giving head coach Craig Berube flexibility with his lineup. He could rotate with John Tavares, potentially allowing Tavares to provide a spark on the third line while Donato anchors it.
With a manageable $2 million cap hit and unrestricted free agency looming at season’s end, he represents a low-risk, high-reward option. Given his affordability, Toronto could likely acquire him for a 2025 second-round pick, making him an appealing trade target.