As of Wednesday morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs still hold the top spot in the Atlantic Division. However, that doesn’t mean the team is without issues that need addressing. With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching on March 8th, the Leafs are expected to be heavily involved in trade discussions.

One of the biggest needs for the Leafs is another center. Beyond Auston Matthews and John Tavares, their depth at the position is alarmingly thin. As always, this time of year brings plenty of speculation, and the Leafs are linked to almost every available centerman and defenseman.

Latest Maple Leafs Trade Rumors

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Toronto has expressed interest in Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato and Seattle Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. While these are just two of many names being floated, neither represents a major splash. Unless the Leafs get creative with their cap space and assets, they may be limited to marginal upgrades rather than a blockbuster move.

Ideally, the Leafs could use one more star player, but given their cap constraints, they may have to settle for a depth forward or defenseman. Other names in the rumor mill include Brandon Tanev (Seattle Kraken) and Brock Nelson (New York Islanders). Let’s take a closer look at how these players might fit in Toronto.

Ryan Donato (Chicago Blackhawks)

• Cap Hit: $2 million (pending UFA)
• Stats: 15 goals, 14 assists (29 points in 48 games)

Donato is a solid third-line center who brings physicality (83 hits this season) and offensive production. His ability to contribute on both ends of the ice makes him a potential upgrade over Max Domi, who hasn’t quite met expectations in that role. Given his affordable contract and status as a pending free agent, Donato could be a cost-effective addition.

Jamie Oleksiak (Seattle Kraken)

• Cap Hit: $4.6 million (signed through next season)
• Stats: 4 goals, 8 assists (12 points in 52 games), 106 blocked shots

The 6’7”, 257-pound defenseman is a physical presence, but his production doesn’t justify his hefty cap hit. Despite being a top-four defenseman for Seattle, his value is questionable, and he likely wouldn’t provide a significant upgrade over Toronto’s current blue line. Given his contract situation and declining hit totals, the Leafs would need to make cap space to acquire him, which might not be worth it.

Brock Nelson (New York Islanders)

• Cap Hit: $6 million (pending UFA)
• Stats: 15 goals, 17 assists (32 points in 49 games)

Nelson would be the best possible addition among these names. At 6’4” and 210 pounds, he brings size, scoring ability, and playoff experience (50 points in 78 career postseason games). However, acquiring him would be difficult due to his cap hit. If the Leafs can find a way to have his salary partially retained, he could be a major asset for a deep playoff run.

Brandon Tanev (Seattle Kraken)

• Cap Hit: $3.5 million (pending UFA)
• Stats: 8 goals, 7 assists (15 points in 50 games), 104 hits, 81 blocked shots

Tanev, the brother of Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev, plays a physical style and contributes defensively. However, his offensive impact is minimal, and his $3.5 million cap hit is excessive for a fourth-liner. While the idea of reuniting with his brother in Toronto is appealing, the Leafs shouldn’t let sentimentality dictate their roster decisions.

Toronto’s biggest priority should be acquiring another center, but the options available come with financial and roster-building challenges. If they can get Brock Nelson with salary retention, he would be the best possible acquisition. Otherwise, a lower-cost move for Ryan Donato might be their most realistic option.

With the trade deadline just weeks away, expect the Leafs to remain active in the rumor mill as they look to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff push.