The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to pursue a center before the trade deadline, and they’ve now been linked to a player from a rival team.
The Leafs have been connected to various forwards, with The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston noting that Boston Bruins center Charlie Coyle could be a target.
Siegel ranked Coyle as the fifth-best center option for Toronto, stating that Coyle would be a perfect fit for the Leafs’ needs. He highlighted Coyle’s ability to match up against top players like Auston Matthews and his offensive production, despite a down year.
Over the past three seasons, Coyle has averaged 19 goals and about 50 points. He’s also under contract at a reasonable price of $5.25 million for one more season.
However, the potential trade faces challenges. The Bruins likely won’t trade Coyle unless they receive a significant offer, especially not to a division rival, and Coyle has a no-movement clause in his contract, which gives him veto power over any trade. That said, with Boston possibly considering a roster retool, it might be worth the Leafs reaching out, according to Siegel.
Coyle, currently in the fifth year of a six-year, $31.5 million deal, has played 48 games this season, recording 12 goals and 6 assists. At 32 years old, he could serve as Toronto’s third-line center and provide depth in case John Tavares leaves in free agency.
While initially uncertain about the fit, Johnston later concluded that a move for Coyle makes sense for Toronto, especially if Boston is willing to retool its roster.
He acknowledged that while trading with a division rival is difficult, Boston could consider moving Coyle if they’re out of the playoff race by the deadline. In that case, acquiring Coyle would give the Leafs a solid two-way center who can both shut down opponents and contribute offensively.
Toronto’s general manager, Brad Treliving, confirmed that adding a center is a priority for the team. Speaking on January 13, he acknowledged the great season John Tavares is having but noted that adding depth at center is still important, a need shared by many teams as the trade deadline approaches.The Leafs currently sit at 30-16-2, leading the Atlantic Division.
