Three Leafs players, including Timashov, demand a trade from GM Kyle Dubas

No doubt about it, the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the youngest and most skilled teams in the NHL. But, here’s the thing… the Leafs may actually have TOO much young talent. At least that appears the be the situation at least when it comes to the development of prospect Jeremy Bracco. 

The 22 year old Bracco has reportedly requested a trade from Leafs GM Kyle Dubas due to the fact that other talented players on the Leafs’ roster are effectively blocking Bracco from getting a shot.

Check out this bit of reporting from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman in his latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet:

I went to Game 7 of the Calder Cup Final in 2018 (Toronto beat Texas that night for the championship in a packed, crazed rink — was a fun night). During one of the intermissions, I ran into the great Rich Clune, who was not dressed for the game. He pointed to the person standing next to him and asked, “Have you ever met Jeremy Bracco?” I hadn’t. He said, “You’re going to see plenty of him.” Bracco only dressed for four games in that run, but finished second in the AHL in scoring last season and is fifth in assists this year.

His path to the Maple Leafs is blocked by some elite, elite skill and he wants to see if there’s a better opportunity somewhere else. Toronto is willing to accommodate, but have not been shy in their asks, apparently. I’m curious to see what the market is. I’m also curious to see if this could be part of a bigger deal. 

For what it’s worth, Bracco is tearing up the AHL with the Toronto Marlies again this season, with 26 points in 32 games. He managed an outstanding 22 goals and 79 points in 75 games with the team last season.

Additionally, Friedman reports that defenseman Ben Harpur and forward Dmytro Timashov have also requested to be moved.

Check it out:

Ben Harpur and Dmytro Timashov have also asked Toronto to see what’s out there for them.

Timoshov has just three goals and eight points in 29 games so far this season, while Harpur has played the entire campaign with the Marlies.

It’s unlikely that Dubas and the Leafs receive much in return for any of these three individuals, but moving any of them will have less to do with the return and more to do with simply giving them a shot elsewhere.