The Toronto Maple Leafs should steer clear of trading for Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde at this year’s deadline.

Gourde has long been rumored as a potential target for Toronto, given the team’s well-known need for center depth. However, now is not the right time for the Leafs to pursue him. The primary concern is his recent surgery for a sports hernia. The 33-year-old underwent the procedure on January 31 and was projected to be sidelined for five to seven weeks, with PuckPedia estimating his return around March 8.

Relying on Gourde as a trade acquisition would be a major gamble, as there is no guarantee he will be fully healthy by the end of the season. While some may argue his value lies in postseason depth, the reality is that Toronto needs immediate reinforcements at center. Beyond Auston Matthews and John Tavares, the Leafs’ options down the middle are thin, making it crucial to address this need now rather than banking on a player recovering from surgery.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs had reliable center depth, adding Yanni Gourde as playoff insurance might make sense. However, given their current situation, securing a center for the remainder of the season is a far more urgent priority.

Toronto Could Revisit Gourde in the Offseason

Regardless of how this season unfolds, the Leafs could consider exploring Gourde as an option in the offseason. By then, they would have a clearer picture of his health and potential contributions. If fully recovered, he could serve as a dependable third-line center behind Auston Matthews and whoever else fills that role. If not, the Leafs can look elsewhere.

Beyond health concerns, another reason to avoid a deadline deal for Gourde is the likely asking price. The Seattle Kraken would almost certainly demand a steep return, and while paying a premium for a high-impact player can be justified, gambling on an injured veteran with an uncertain timetable is not.

With the trade deadline approaching on March 7, all eyes are on GM Brad Treliving, who is under immense pressure to improve the roster. While a deal is inevitable, it must be a calculated move rather than a knee-jerk reaction. If the Leafs intend to make a statement, it should be with a player who can genuinely elevate the team—someone in the mold of J.T. Miller for the Rangers or Mikko Rantanen for the Hurricanes.

At this stage, healthy or not, Yanni Gourde simply isn’t a game-changing addition at that level.