The Toronto Maple Leafs are focusing on strengthening their defense and goaltending, and there’s a trade proposal involving a veteran defenseman. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user suggested the Leafs acquire Matt Grzelcyk from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Proposed trade:

Maple Leafs receive:
– Matt Grzelcyk

Penguins receive:
– Pontus Holmberg
– 2026 third-round pick
– 2025 sixth-round pick

This deal seems beneficial for both teams: Pittsburgh gains a young forward and two draft picks for future development, while the Maple Leafs gain an experienced defenseman who can contribute immediately.

Grzelcyk, who signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Penguins this offseason, could be a trade candidate if Pittsburgh continues to struggle, making Toronto a fitting destination. With significant playoff experience, he could serve as a third-pairing defenseman for the Leafs.

In exchange, Toronto would send Holmberg, a 25-year-old in his second year of a $1.6 million deal, to Pittsburgh. Holmberg could add depth as a bottom-six forward for the Penguins.

Recently, the Maple Leafs traded defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks, receiving Matt Benning and two draft picks in return. Despite this move, NHL insider Darren Dreger indicated that Toronto may look for more trades to manage their roster effectively.

Dreger mentioned, “It’s more about roster space than cap issues.” He suggested that general manager Brad Treliving might have to put another player on waivers or consider a conditioning stint in the AHL, or pursue another trade since the team is currently at the maximum roster limit.

Benning, a veteran defenseman, could also be a trade asset for Treliving, providing depth options.

With Grzelcyk’s short-term contract with Pittsburgh, he is likely to be a trade candidate as the deadline approaches, according to NHL analyst Michael Derosa.

“If they don’t get things back on track, they’re likely to become sellers as the trade deadline nears,” Derosa observed. “In that case, Grzelcyk would clearly be a trade candidate since he’s only signed for this season.

If the Penguins decide to make Grzelcyk available, he would certainly draw significant interest due to his ability to handle top-four minutes and his considerable playoff experience from his time with the Bruins,” Derosa concluded.

Grzelcyk has played 457 games, accumulating 25 goals and 116 assists for a total of 141 points.