Imminent trade rumoured in Toronto following John Tavares’ latest injury update

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Thursday morning that forward John Tavares has been placed on injured reserve and getting officially labeled as week to week. The former team captain sustained the injury toward the end of Wednesday’s practice during a power-play drill when he fell awkwardly and left the ice immediately, visibly in pain.

Just a few days before Tavares’ lower-body injury, general manager Brad Treliving confirmed that the Maple Leafs were looking to get a boost at center depth and now we can only imagine that his plan could get in motion now in order to acquire a center before the March 7 trade deadline.

Ken Campbell of the Hockey News believes that Treliving could make a deal for one of the players he’s pursuing now rather than later.

“The Maple Leafs have precious little cap space here, so it’s going to take some creative thinking from Treliving and his staff. It’s not fantasy hockey – he’s right. But he’s not a fantasy hockey GM either – he’s a real one. And this is what he’s paid to do.”

Players like Seattle Kraken forward, Yanni Gourde, Nashville Predators forward Ryan O’Rielly and New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson have been linked to the Maple Leafs in the past months.

Puck Pedia shows tha the Maple Leafs currently have a little over $2.1 million in salary cap space. But that doesn’t account for defenseman Jani Hakanpaa ($1.47 million nor Calle Jarnkrok ($2.1 million) on long-term injured reserve. When it comes to trade arsenal, let’s not forget that Toronto is without first-round pick in 2025, traded away two years ago when they acquired defenseman Jake McCabe. Treliving might have to part with significant picks in future years or a top prospect for that boost down the middle.

The GM also has to focus on the uncertainty surrounding Mitch Marner’s future as well as Tavares’ and Matthew Knies set to become free agents at the end of the season. There is a lot at play for Treliving who needs to consider everything before going after a player via trade that has some term and isn’t a traditional rental player.

One thing is clear as of now is that the loss of Tavares is a significant blow to Toronto, he who has been instrumental for the Leafs this season. The veteran forward has put up 20 goals and 22 assists in 44 games and has just proven to be the team’s most reliable option at center.