The Toronto Maple Leafs, focused on bolstering their defense and goaltending this offseason, are considering a trade that would bring Jake Middleton from the Minnesota Wild to Toronto. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a proposed deal would see the Leafs land Middleton in exchange for Nick Robertson, Timothy Liljegren, and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Middleton, entering the final year of his $7.35 million deal, has already signed a four-year, $17.4 million extension with the Wild. At 28, he could enhance the Leafs’ blue line as a solid second-pairing defenseman. Last season, Middleton posted 7 goals and 18 assists in 80 games, adding to his 57 points across 239 career NHL games.

In return, the Wild would gain Robertson, an RFA who has requested a trade from Toronto and seeks a larger role, potentially as a middle-six forward in Minnesota. Robertson has tallied 27 points in 56 games with the Leafs. The Wild would also get Liljegren, a 25-year-old defenseman drafted in the first round of 2017, who could help replace Middleton with his 65 career points in 196 games.

Leafs GM Brad Treliving has hinted at further moves as the team approaches training camp. With over $1.2 million in cap space, the Leafs are exploring options, including potentially adding more defense or targeting left-wingers.

Since joining the Wild in March 2022, Middleton has become a key player and recently signed an extension that will keep him in Minnesota through the 2028-29 season. The Wild will open their 2024-25 season at home on October 10 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.”