Leafs could score big as Canes D-man looks to request trade!

While the Toronto Maple Leafs are playing puzzle games trying to get their coveted free agents re-signed under their tight cap space, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to their fading blue line and the need to bolster it to become stronger contenders next spring. 

Sometimes, Hockey Gods do listen… 

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has reported in his latest 31 Thoughts column on Sportsnet that a situation in the Carolina Hurricanes’ dressing room could come as a great helming hand for their issues on the back end. 

Friedman noted that “a couple of sources indicated there was some in-season frustration from Brett Pesce that might force a trade.”

Earlier this season, the Leafs were hunting Pesce, who was rumoured to be part of a deal going back to Toronto in return for forward William Nylander, who at the time, was in a contract dispute and unsigned as a RFA. In the end, the deal fell through as GM Kyle Dubas managed to get Nylander under contract at the deadline, but many wonder if talks could be back on the table this summer. 

While Hurricanes general manager Don Wadell maintains that the issue is no longer a concern, the Leafs could stick their nose into it and make an offer to pull the trigger on this much talked about trade. 

Pesce managed to end the regular season and playoffs with increased ice time and better stats, which could have ironed out the wrinkles in his relationship with management and the team. 

However, if the Leafs don’t ask or make a move, they could regret it all season long in 2019-20.