“Toronto Maple Leafs Discuss Trade Deadline Strategy: 2024 Roundtable”
As the trade deadline looms, the Toronto Maple Leafs have remained relatively quiet in the lead-up to the March 8 deadline. Despite numerous players being available, the team is anticipated to be highly active, demonstrating a willingness to make significant moves as they pursue their first Stanley Cup victory since 1967.
In this edition of the Maple Leafs Roundtable, we engaged with Maple Leafs writers Spencer Lazary and JP Gambatese, seeking their insights and perspectives on various questions pertaining to the team’s trade deadline strategy.
Is it Necessary for the Maple Leafs to Make Moves at the Trade Deadline?
JP firmly believes that the Maple Leafs should and will take an active approach at the trade deadline. With the impending salary increases for key players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander looming, this season presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on having the Core Four intact.
Despite facing challenges, the team’s underlying metrics, such as expected goal share (xGF%) and high-danger chance percentage (HDCF%), remain favorable, indicating their competitiveness in the league. By addressing areas of need, particularly in terms of depth scoring and defense, the Maple Leafs can bolster their roster for a potential playoff push. Moreover, the goaltending situation, with Ilya Samsonov’s return from the AHL and Joseph Woll’s imminent comeback from injury, provides stability in a crucial aspect of the game.
JP emphasizes that being active at the trade deadline offers the Maple Leafs a chance to rectify a longstanding issue: lack of depth scoring. With strategic acquisitions, the team can enhance their offensive depth and address deficiencies that have hindered their postseason aspirations in previous years.