Maple Leafs dangle 3 trade baits to land Bo Horvat

The Toronto Maple Leafs are believed to be entering the Bo Horvat sweepstakes as the Vancouver Canucks’ captain is becoming a very interesting option for an offensive boost ahead of the postseason.

On the Canucks Daily blog, fans are reminded that the Canucks are seeking an NHL ready caliber right-handed defenseman and young centerman and possibly a high draft pick, and there is no doubt that Vancouver will get interesting offers at the pace Horvat is currently producing. There is also a possibility that Vancouver retains some of Horvat’s final year of a six-year contract at a cap hit of $5.5 million, which would command a sweetener in a transaction.

The Maple Leafs are looking to - not only get past the first round of the postseason - but especially the addition of a top-6 forward to their powerful group and could be a top contender to land a rental player like Horvat. The Canucks Daily blog highlighted three assets that the Canucks could demand in return for their captain in Timothy Liljegren, Topi Niemela or even top prospect Matthew Knies.

The first two options would surely make the future bright on the blue line in Vancouver. Liljegren is a talented defenseman looking for more responsibilities and that could take place with the Canucks along side Quinn Hughes. Same goes for Niemela, though he is not NHL-ready at the moment and would need time to develop some more in Finland. However, he would add to the Canucks’ defensive depth as a promising prospect.

You have to wonder however if the Maple Leafs would be willing to part with Knies for the short-time addition of Horvat. He is getting closer to an NHL debut and has impressed many insiders with his play at the University of Minnesota.

However, some believe he is an untouchable in Toronto, which would mean that the Canucks could walk away from an offer…

Do you believe the Maple Leafs will put a big package on the Canucks’ table to acquire Horvat close to the deadline?

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