Photo Credits: John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to seek forward help. A couple of weeks ago, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned in his “32 Thoughts” article that the Maple Leafs are in the market for help on the left wing. I think there are things percolating out there, including Toronto considering left-wing options”. Friedman says. Players such as Max Pacioretty, who has been linked to the Leafs, and former Leaf James van Riemsdyk have been discussed.
Another player to add to that list is Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano. Vatrano is entering the final year of his three-year, $10.95 million contract.
The 30-year-old winger was involved in trade rumours leading up to the 2024 trade deadline, and during the season, he was linked to Toronto. Fast forward to now, and Toronto could kick the tires on him again.
The website PuckPedia has a feature called PuckGM, where users can create trades. One user suggested the Leafs acquire Vatrano (with $1.8 million retained) in exchange for Nick Robertson and David Kämpf.
This trade would make sense for both teams. The Leafs would get a top-six winger who can score, while the Ducks would acquire a young forward with untapped potential and a centre for their fourth line.
Vatrano is coming off a career season with the Ducks, recording 37 goals and 23 assists for 60 points in 82 games. His strong performance earned him a spot in his first-ever NHL All-Star Game.
Given his strong 2024 season, Vatrano had more than one team check in on him last season. Emily Kaplan of ESPN Hockey reported that the New York Rangers had a deal in place to acquire him, but the trade ultimately fell through.
For Toronto, adding Vatrano would address the void on their left wing. As the NHL season approaches, don’t be surprised if Vatrano’s name continues to surface in trade rumours leading up to the 2025 trade deadline.
