March 7, 2025 | 8:55am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

TANEV, KUNIN ON MAPLE LEAFS RADAR

Brandon Tanev, forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to bolster their roster ahead of today’s 3pm ET trade deadline and while they were one of the teams in on Brock Nelson before the New York Islanders traded him to the Colorado Avalanche Thursday evening, GM Brad Treliving is also exploring depth options in the bottom-six.

In addition to their pursuit of Philadelphia Flyers centre Scott Laughton, the Maple Leafs have also expressed interest in San Jose Sharks centre Luke Kunin and Seattle Kraken winger Brandon Tanev, both of whom are playing on expiring contracts.

With limited salary cap flexibility, the Leafs may have to go bargain hunting or move out additional bodies off the roster – the team waived winger Ryan Reaves on Thursday and if he clears waivers it will give Toronto $1.15 million in extra cap space; if he is claimed, they free up his entire $1.35 million hit.

Kunin has a $2.75 million salary cap hit, while Tanev owns a $3.5 million cap hit, however the Kraken are willing to retain up to 50 percent of that, which would put him in at a $1.75 million hit.

View the TFP Trade Watch List

Treliving and his staff are evaluating numerous options and could try to swing for a larger deal, such as St. Louis Blues centre Brayden Schenn, up front.

The Maple Leafs are also in the market for a right-shot defenceman and could try to add one ahead of the deadline, as well.