The Toronto Maple Leafs have a pressing need at center, and a potential trade pitch has emerged to address this gap.
Using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, one fan proposed a trade scenario where the Maple Leafs would acquire Nick Bjugstad from Utah. The suggested exchange would look like this:
Toronto receives:
- Nick Bjugstad ($1.1 million retained)
Utah receives:
- Ryan Reaves
- 2025 second-round pick (Florida)
- 2026 third-round pick
This trade would give the Maple Leafs a capable third-line center in Bjugstad, who is in the final year of his two-year, $4.2 million contract. Known for his size, Bjugstad would bring both defensive reliability and occasional scoring to Toronto’s lineup. So far this season, he has recorded 2 assists in 7 games, adding to his career totals of 149 goals and 164 assists over 701 games.
In return, Toronto would trade two draft picks and free up cap space by moving Reaves’ contract. Reaves, who’s in his second year of a three-year, $4.05 million deal, would add physicality and grit to Utah’s fourth line.
Maple Leafs Analyst Argues Reaves Should Be Benched
Initially signed to add toughness and veteran presence, Ryan Reaves has become a fan favorite, but he has yet to make a major impact this season. Maple Leafs analyst Jay Rosehill has questioned whether Reaves should retain his roster spot, suggesting he could have provided more physical spark during games, especially early in the season.
Despite this, Reaves may remain in the lineup following Max Pacioretty’s lower-body injury on November 9. Coach Craig Berube stated, “We’ll have to see in a day or so what’s going on there with him.”
Reaves has played in 13 games this season with 0 goals and 1 assist. Across his career, he has registered 63 goals and 73 assists over 890 games.
Leafs Hampered by Injuries to Key Centers
Toronto’s need for a new center is underscored by injuries to Auston Matthews and Calle Jarnkrok. Jarnkrok has yet to make his season debut due to a sports hernia, which is expected to sideline him for an extended period. Meanwhile, Matthews is on IR with a less severe injury and could return as soon as November 12.