Toronto Maple Leafs: 1st round pick in play at trade deadline

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly prepared to include their 2019 first round pick in any trade for a top four defenceman.

There’s no denying the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 6-3 loss at home to the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night was demoralising. In fact, it was arguably their worst performance of the 2018-19 season.

Whether Jake Gardiner deserved the brunt of the criticism and the fans’ frustration is debatable. Regardless, the game highlighted once more the Leafs’ need to strengthen the blue line, especially if they want to make some noise come playoff time.

With this in mind, the upcoming trade deadline becomes even more valuable, as a way to bring in a top four defenceman. The question is, what will it take to entice another team to part with such a player?

According to TSN‘s Pierre LeBrun, the Leafs are prepared to include their 2019 first round draft pick. LeBrun shared his information during a segment on Insider Trading:

"“(This) is obviously quite a departure for an organisation which has been building up to this moment. But that’s just it; they’ve been building up to the moment where they’re now ready to contend for a cup…some of the teams I’ve talked to, their understanding is in the right package for a top four defenceman, that the Leafs will listen to including that first round pick as part of the package.”"

As things stand, the Leafs hold the 25th pick in this year’s draft. How valuable other teams would find this pick will be crucial.

While the willingness to give up a first round pick for a top four blue-liner is important, it would still only represent part of any potential package. Another aspect of any deal could well be a young prospect; how highly rated they are would be a significant factor.

The Leafs could also consider including a roster player as part of a trade, with Gardiner conceivably being a prime option. In the last year of his current deal, and given the criticism he has continually received, it might be a case of a new start being best for all parties concerned.

More from Toronto Maple Leafs

• Maple Leafs Rumours: Half of NHL teams interested in Ilya Mikheyev
• Toronto Maple Leafs: How to address the goaltender position
• Leafs reward Timothy Liljegren with extension after breakout season
• Maple Leafs: Jack Campbell situation becoming increasingly uncertain
• Jason Spezza retires, joins Toronto Maple Leafs front office

However, it’s tough to envision this being the case, despite Gardiner’s penchant for making untimely mistakes. He is still one of the Leafs’ better defencemen and the team’s preference is to try and sign him to a contract extension.

Overall, it would be quite easy to say LeBrun is stating the obvious in claiming the Leafs are willing to include their 2019 first round draft pick in any trade. However, it doesn’t take away from how eager the team is to upgrade the blue line.

How realistic a trade for a top blue-liner is between now and Feb. 25 is anyone’s guess. Regardless, it’s going to be an interesting few weeks for Leafs fans.

What do you make of LeBrun’s comments? Is he just stating the obvious, or is there genuine value in his information? Either way, how confident are you that the Toronto Maple Leafs will upgrade their blue line by the trade deadline? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.