The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team in need of another piece in the top 6 as they look to replace offense throughout the lineup this season that will be lost with the departure of Mitch Marner. The question is where do they look to find that scoring?
A trade idea from Cole Shelton of “Heavy Sports” has the Maple Leafs acquiring Pittsburgh Penguins forward Anthony Mantha in exchange for Nick Robertson in a 1 for 1 player swap.
This is an interesting trade proposal as both players have recently been inked to new deals this summer. However, both players are also known to be potential trade chips for differing reasons. For Nick Roberston, he is a young player in need of a fresh start. For Anthony Mantha, he is a 30 year old vet in the middle of his career that is an expendable asset to flip at the trade deadline for a retooling Penguins team.
This is a trade that would likely happen in season rather than during the summer as the Pens look to see what they have in Mantha and what they could potentially get for him. The 10 year vet had his season with the Flames cut short last year due to an ACL tear. The former 20 plus goal scorer has touted 146 goals and 157 assists for 303 points in 507 games in his regular season career. In the postseason, he has amassed 6 assists in 14 games.
For Robertson, he would get the opportunity of a change in scenery he clearly needs. He would be much higher on the Pens depth chart and have a greater chance to showcase his talents on a squad that appears to be entering a rebuild in Pittsburgh.
We’ll see if this trade comes to fruition or if the Leafs decide to go a different route in addressing their offensive needs. Time will tell.
