Trade brewing between Maple Leafs and Blackhawks?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to a few players on the Blackhawks’ roster in the past month, including forwards Max Domi and Patrick Kane, however, now general manager Kyle Dubas might be targeting a different player in Chicago.

Jonas Siegel and Scott Powers of The Athletic report that the Maple Leafs have been linked to Sam Lafferty of the Blackhawks and could find the offensive boost they’ve been looking for at a good value.

“The Leafs could certainly use Lafferty to solidify the bottom of their lineup. He’d be someone head coach Sheldon Keefe could count on to hold his own defensively in a playoff series and maybe provide the odd flourish offensively from the fourth line. Lafferty would instantly become the Leafs’ best option for right-side draws, including on the penalty kill, which he would most definitely join in a depth capacity.”

Both insiders believe Lafferty could make sense for the Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, but it all depends on what Dubas would be willing to pay. Siegel and Powers think a pick could do the trick.

“A third-round pick for Lafferty seems a touch steep, but a fourth doesn’t feel like it’s worth Chicago’s while either. Something right around there feels about right.

"A third-round pick probably makes the most sense to entice Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson.”

During last night’s game against the Canucks in Vancouver, Lafferty scored a goal on two shots and added two hits in a 5-2 loss.

The 27-year-old forward has scored three times and added an assist over his last seven outings. He continues to prove how much of an effective depth forward with some defensive skill and a physical streak he can be, which makes it understandable that Toronto has zeroed in on him.

Through 40 games this season with Chicago, Lafferty has put up 16 points, 70 hits and 56 shots on net.

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