The Toronto Maple Leafs are eyeing a trade as they seek to strengthen their roster during their Stanley Cup window, potentially adding two impactful forwards.

Using the PuckGM tool from PuckPedia, one user suggested a deal that would see the Maple Leafs reacquire Michael Bunting from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The proposed trade would involve:

Maple Leafs receiving:
– Michael Bunting
– Drew O’Connor

Penguins receiving:
– Timothy Liljegren
– Nick Robertson
– 2026 first-round pick

This trade would allow Toronto to bolster its forward group by acquiring Bunting and O’Connor in exchange for Liljegren, Robertson, and a first-round pick.

Bunting, who played for the Maple Leafs from 2021 to 2023, left as a free agent to sign a three-year, $13.5 million deal with the Carolina Hurricanes but was traded mid-season to the Penguins. He could bring much-needed offensive depth and physicality to Toronto’s lineup, having recorded 46 goals and 66 assists for 112 points in 161 games with the Maple Leafs.

O’Connor, a 26-year-old forward, would likely serve as a third or fourth-line left-winger for Toronto. He is in the last year of a two-year, $1.85 million contract and has totaled 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points in 160 career games.

In return, Toronto would send former first-round pick Liljegren, who has been a healthy scratch at the season’s start, to the Penguins. The Swedish defenseman recently signed a two-year, $6 million extension with the Maple Leafs and could benefit from a fresh start.

Robertson, a former second-round pick, is competing for a full-time role with the Maple Leafs after requesting a trade this offseason. He ultimately signed a one-year, $875,000 deal and could emerge as a top-six forward for the Penguins, providing much-needed offensive support.

**Maple Leafs Expected to Trade Liljegren**

Timothy Liljegren is currently Toronto’s eighth defenseman, and with no clear path to regular playing time, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that he is likely to be traded. In his 32 Thoughts article, Friedman noted, “It sounds like Toronto is working to find a landing spot for Timothy Liljegren. He’s down the depth chart, which is not a situation anyone is happy with.”

Liljegren faced stiff competition for ice time during training camp, and new Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed his dissatisfaction with the defenseman’s performance.

“Lily’s gotta do things quicker. He needs to be more assertive in his battles, move the puck faster, and simplify his game,” Berube stated. “He’s obviously working hard and wants to be in the lineup every night, which is commendable. However, sometimes players take on too much. He needs to simplify his approach and focus on his responsibilities as a defenseman, especially in stopping plays and being physical.”

In his NHL career, the former 17th overall pick Timothy Liljegren has played in 196 games, tallying 14 goals and 51 assists for a total of 65 points.

Maple Leafs Defenseman Criticizes Bunting

In a recent matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 12, Michael Bunting faced off against his former team. During the game, Bunting had a confrontation with Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit. Afterward, Benoit accused Bunting of being a diver, claiming he was trying to draw penalties.