Toronto Maple Leafs Reportedly “In Play” for Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche and are said to be “in play” for either forward.

With the Toronto Maple Leafs having roughly $15 million to operate with, you will likely see a ton of trade rumours and speculation as we get closer to the NHL Trade Deadline on March 1st.

The latest rumour to hit the airwaves on Thursday involved Colorado Avalanche forwards Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog. Although I wouldn’t necessarily call them rumours, Bleacher Report’s Adrian Dater said he is hearing that the Leafs are “in play” for either forward.

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With the Avalanche expected to enter “fire sale mode” over these next few weeks, it sounds like the Maple Leafs are going to try to make a play for one of the Avs’ young forwards, or at least find out what the cost is.

Acquiring either Duchene or Landeskog would be great for the Leafs, although I’d prefer Duchene over Landeskog, but I’d imagine the asking price will be expensive. I mean, think of it from Colorado’s perspective — would you actually trade away one, or possibly both, of your core players for a discounted price? It’s highly unlikely, especially since both players are younger than 27.

Also, the Leafs aren’t the only ones keeping a keen eye on Duchene and Landeskog:

Perhaps this rumour, if you want to even call it that, is a team source trying to help stir up interest in Duchene or Landeskog and potentially create leverage on another general manager? Possibly Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin since Montreal has been linked to Duchene?

Either way, I wouldn’t read too much into this, at least not yet. Would Duchene or Landeskog be a good fit for the Leafs? Of course. But, as usual, it all comes down to cost and what the Leafs would have to give up. You know, the same old conversation we all have everyday when we play armchair GM, that’s all.

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What do you think of the Toronto Maple Leafs reported interest in Duchene and Landeskog? Would you prefer one over the other? Or would you like to see the Leafs pass on them all together? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.