As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the focus is on how theToronto Maple Leafs , Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens plan to operate differently during this critical time.
Currently, the Leafs are in a secure playoff position and are actively seeking ways to enhance their roster in pursuit of the Stanley Cup, while trying to maintain theirOntario sports betting odds On the other hand, the Senators and Canadiens have struggled throughout the season and are preparing to part with some players ahead of the impending deadline. Montreal has already made headlines by trading Ben Chiarot to the Florida Panthers last week and sending Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames earlier this season.
The Maple Leafs aspire to break a long-standing drought and become the first Canadian franchise to lift the Stanley Cup since 1993. They have the highest odds among Canadian teams to clinch the title this year.
This time of year often dictates the course of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Maple Leafs, currently fifth in line at +1200 odds, are eager to take action to boost their prospects.DraftKings Sportsbook Ontario Their rivals within the Atlantic Division have been making notable moves as well. The Tampa Bay Lightning recently acquired Brandon Hagel from the Chicago Blackhawks, reminiscent of their previous deadline trades that contributed to their championship success.
While Toronto's General Manager Kyle Dubas showed interest in Hagel, the asking price proved too steep. Meanwhile, Florida not only acquired Chiarot from Montreal but also secured star forward Claude Giroux from the Philadelphia Flyers this past Saturday. Additionally, Florida added defenseman Robert Hagg from the Buffalo Sabres just the day before.
Boston, which is closely trailing Toronto in the standings, made a significant addition by acquiring Hampus Lindholm, a defenseman previously associated with the Maple Leafs. Without a major move, Toronto's chances of winning the Cup may decline, as they will need to overcome some tough opponents before reaching the third round.
These odds are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook Ontario.
Local Stanley Cup Odds
| ⭐ Toronto Maple Leafs | +1200 |
| ⭐ Ottawa Senators | +100000 |
| ⭐ Montreal Canadiens | +100000 |
Toronto’s Biggest Need
With Lindholm and Chiarot traded away, Giordano emerged as the best option available, capable of fitting into various roles on the defensive line and bringing experience to a youthful squad. Their search hasn't ended, as players like Justin Braun and Jacob Middleton have also been mentioned as potential targets. It seems that if a defenseman is available, the Leafs are likely gathering information on them.
In addition, the Leafs acquired forward Colin Blackwell from Seattle, who is proficient in penalty-killing. Toronto invested two second-round picks (2022 and 2023) along with a third-round pick in 2024 to secure Giordano and Blackwell. Following this acquisition, they traded defenseman Travis Dermott to Vancouver for a 2022 third-round pick.
Goaltending has posed challenges for the Leafs recently, but the rise of Erik Kallgren has somewhat alleviated those issues for now, while starter Jack Campbell is anticipated to return from his rib injury by playoff time. On Sunday, Harri Sateri signed a budget-friendly contract with the Leafs, coinciding with the team waiving goaltender Petr Mrazek, which should provide some salary cap relief.
Marc Andre Fleury has been a name linked to Toronto, but his no-movement clause complicates things, and acquiring him would likely require a first-round pick, something Dubas has hesitated to part with. The goaltending situation remains uncertain for the Leafs, and if they cannot secure Fleury or another goaltender, they may need to settle for quantity over quality in their goalkeeping unit.
Conversely, the other two Canadian teams in the Eastern Conference are aiming to offload players, targeting the accumulation of prospects and draft picks as they rebuild for the future following disappointing performances this season.
Canadiens, Senators Look to Sell
Montreal has already traded its top assets, Chiarot and Toffoli, but they still have a few other players who could be moved. The most likely candidate is winger Artturi Lehkonen, who is set to become a restricted free agent and is on an affordable contract.
Montreal, with +100000NHL sports betting odds General Manager Kent Hughes mentioned that while he isn't actively seeking to move Lehkonen, he's receiving inquiries and would consider a deal if the return is appealing. With playoff experience from last season's run, Lehkonen could be a valuable addition for teams that missed out on Hagel.
Defenseman Jeff Petry is also on the trade block, but the Canadiens are reluctant to let him go unless the offer is satisfactory. Both the player and management seem to agree that a new environment could benefit Petry. Brett Kulak may also move, but he would only fetch a minimal return as he is viewed as a depth defenseman for playoff contenders.
The Senators have several gaps they wish to fill, but their priorities for reliable goaltending, a top-four defenseman, and a top-six forward are more likely to be tackled in the offseason.
Senators Can Offer Depth Players
The Senators, also at +100000 odds onOntario sports betting apps Nonetheless, they made a move over the weekend, acquiring Travis Hamonic from Vancouver in exchange for a third-round pick. This trade secures some stability on the blue line for the Senators as Thomas Chabot is out for the season and gives them an asset for next year.
Ottawa also traded forward Nick Paul to the Lightning, enhancing Tampa Bay's bottom-six depth as they head into the playoffs. Additional depth players from the Senators, such as Zach Sanford and Josh Brown, could also be moved, although the returns might be modest. With Anton Forsberg's contract expiring, a deadline deal seems plausible; however, with Matt Murray again sidelined, it appears they will rely on Forsberg to finish the season.
Different goals are evident as the teams approach today's deadline, yet all three general managers share a common aim of enhancing their team's chances of clinching the Stanley Cup, whether it's this year for the Leafs or in future seasons for the Senators and Canadiens.
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