“Maple Leafs Eyeing Former 25-Goal Scorer: The Mantha-Robertson Trade That Could Shake Up Toronto’s Lineup”

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Trade idea has Maple Leafs acquiring Anthony Mantha.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a need for a top-six winger, and they could look to the Pittsburgh Penguins to fit that need.

The Maple Leafs saw Mitch Marner leave this offseason and need to try and replace his offense. Heavy.com has a trade idea that would see the Leafs acquiring Anthony Mantha from the Penguins in a 1-for-1 deal.

Maple Leafs acquire:

• Anthony Mantha

Penguins acquire:

• Nick Robertson

The proposed deal makes sense for both teams as Mantha can be a top-six forward for the Maple Leafs while the Penguins get a young forward who doesn’t have a clear-cut role with Toronto.

Mantha signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Penguins this offseason, but he could be dealt at the deadline as Pittsburgh will be sellers. Mantha recorded 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points in 13 games last season as he suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The former first-round pick has proven to be a top-six winger in the past, as in 2023-24, he had 23 goals, while his career-high is 25 goals.

In return, the Maple Leafs would give up Robertson, who doesn’t have a clear-cut role with Toronto. Robertson inked a one-year extension this offseason but still could be traded. The American would get a bigger role with the Penguins and replace the offense of Mantha. Last season, he recorded 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 69 games.

How Would Mantha Fit With the Maple Leafs?

If Toronto does trade for Mantha, he could replace Marner as the first-line right winger.

The Maple Leafs could use Mattias Maccelli in that role, but if he struggles, Toronto could look to the trade market. It would be a low-cost move as Robertson hasn’t been able to take hold of a roster spot come the playoffs.

Mantha can add some offense to the Maple Leafs’ offense and also give Toronto more size. He’s a 6-foot-5, 234-pound forward who scores and is difficult to play against, especially in the playoffs.

Ultimately, Toronto needs to add more offensive players, and Mantha has proven he can score. But, this is a trade that likely would happen at the deadline, as Toronto will no doubt want to see how Mantha is coming back from a knee injury.

If he is healthy, Mantha will have plenty of suitors, but a trade for Robertson seems fair for both parties.

Penguins Have Interest in Robertson

Not only would Mantha fit a need for the Maple Leafs, but Robertson would be a good return for the Penguins.

With Robertson’s name still coming up in trade talks, the Penguins have shown interest in him, according to insider Elliotte Friedman.

“I’m assuming things are going to heat up later in the summer at some point, in all these particular situations,” Friedman revealed about trade talks involving the Penguins. “I had some people ask me about the possibility of Nick Robertson and Pittsburgh. Obviously, Kyle Dubas knows him. They got the arbitration settled on Saturday at $1.825 million.”

Kyle Dubas drafted Robertson while he was the GM of the Maple Leafs. Robertson would get a bigger role with Pittsburgh and be part of their rebuild and young core.