The Toronto Maple Leafs could be big buyers in the market before the March 3 trade deadline. They're looking to add players in all positions are are linked to many players who are either on expiring contracts or looking to move away from their current team.
The Maple Leafs are interested in adding a solid top-6 to their lineup. Ivan Barbashev, winger for the St. Louis Blues, is a top prospect who could help them in their offensive line alongside Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander.
Barbashev was selected by the St. Louis Blues as the 33rd pick in the 2014 NHL Entry draft. In the 2021-22 season, Barbashev had a career-high 60 points with 26 goals and 34 assists, helping the Blues to a 49-22-11 record in the regular season, their best in the last five years.
In the 2022-23 season, Barbashev has 24 points from nine goals and 15 assists with an average of 16 minutes played per game. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, Barbashev has been informed by the St. Louis Blues that his contract will not be extended, and he will likely be traded before the trade deadline in March.
Barbashev is a versatile player who can play centre and either wing and could fill a useful role on several teams. With what should be a fairly low price tag in terms of the impact on the salary cap, he would be a cost-effective move not only for the Toronto Maple Leafs but for any other contending team.
Other Toronto Maple Leafs trade rumors
The Maple Leafs are second in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Boston Bruins. They had a great first half of the season, accumulating 31 wins with a 31-13-8 record.
The Leafs' trio up top have had a great year together, with winger Mitch Marer leading the team with 60 points, William Nylander scoring 28 goals and Auston Matthews just behind him at 25.
The Maple Leafs are looking to bolster their chances of making the Stanley Cup playoffs and potentially winning the Championship. They're rumored to be in talks with many players and teams across the league like Jake McCabe, defenseman, from the Chicago Blackhawks, Time Meier of the San Jose Sharks, Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes and Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks' legend.
It will be interesting to see who joins and departs the Leafs before the end of the trade deadline on March 3.