Leafs linked to Shane Doan's son Josh Doan in trade talks

We're now more than halfway through the NHL's offseason and there's still no be resolution between the Toronto Maple Leafs and talented young forward Nick Robertson. 

Robertson, of course, requested a trade from GM Brad Treliving earlier this offseason, but to date there has been no real traction made on a deal. Sure, there have been rumors here and there but nothing substantial.

Today though, according to a source from 'NHL Trade Rumors', an online hockey news blog, is reporting on a potential deal between the Leafs and the newly minted Utah HC. Specifically, the site names Josh Doan, son of Toronto Maple Leafs executive and former NHL power forward Shane Doan, as a trade target in a Robertson deal.

From NHL Trade Rumors:

Nick Robertson, currently an RFA, has shown flashes of brilliance with the Leafs but has struggled with consistency and injuries. His speed and scoring ability make him a valuable asset, but Toronto’s depth at forward positions has made it challenging for him to secure a permanent spot on the roster. A move to Utah could provide Robertson with the fresh start he needs and an opportunity to play a more prominent role.

On the other hand, Josh Doan, who is signed to a $925,000 contract, brings a different dynamic. Known for his physical play and leadership, Doan has the potential to bolster Toronto’s depth on the right wing. His addition could provide the Leafs with the grit and determination they have been seeking, especially in their bottom-six forward group. Doan’s development trajectory indicates he has the potential to become a solid top-six forward in the NHL.

The 22 year old Doan made an impact last season after joining the then-Arizona Coyotes, scoring five goals and nine points in just 11 games. The Doan name was/is obviously a big deal for the Arizona franchise, but with the team now residing in Utah, I don't suspect that there will be quite the same sentimentality for him from the team's front office. On the flip side, the Leafs may be more inclined to overpay for Doan given his father's role with the team.

Honestly, I have no idea how this will all play out but I do know that Utah would be taking a giant risk by shipping out a player with such promise. Doan could end up being just another depth piece in the NHL, or he could become a star player with marketing potential for a brand new team. If it's the latter, that's a valuable player. Are the Leafs really interested in overpaying just to find out who Josh Doan really is?

Read below for our earlier Leafs report concerning president Brendan Shanahan, published earlier today.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had pretty mixed results since Hockey Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan took over as team President a decade ago.

It's hard to believe that Shanahan has been on the job in Toronto for nearly 10 years now, especially given the up and down nature of the team. There's no denying the fact that the Leafs have transformed into a perennial playoff team under Shanahan's leadership, but they have stagnated in recent seasons and appear unable to take the new step. So... what's been holding this team back?

Former Leafs defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo was on his TSN 'First Up' podcast this past week when he slammed Shanahan and his inability to transform the team's defensive corps.

Check it out:

I've got to agree with Colaiacovo, but this isn't exactly a new development. The Leafs' defensive corps has been a work in progress for like eight seasons now. It's been a glaring deficiency for years now, so Colaiacovo isn't exactly breaking any news here. Still, his point that the team's focus on the 'core four' of John Tavares, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander to the detriment of their defensive game is well made.

Thoughts, Leafs fans?