(Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
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Maple Leafs Predicted to Trade for Islanders Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue navigating the offseason, putting together a more well-rounded roster remains the biggest goal. The team lost star Mitch Marner in free agency, and the front office has been working to replace his production in the lineup.
Toronto has made progress, but it may need more help to truly compete for a title next year. The team could opt to enter the season with the current group and assess how it is performing before the trade deadline. The Maple Leafs could then look to make a major splash at the trade deadline if the season isn't working out as hoped.
NHL writer Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report predicted the Maple Leafs will trade for veteran Anders Lee of the New York Islanders. Richardson put together predictions for this season's trade deadline in a recent article and has Toronto adding Lee.
"With currently $5.33 million in cap space, the Leafs could afford to acquire Lee if they maintain that cap space throughout the season, and if they're on his list of trade destinations. They don't have many tradable assets, but they could dangle a 2026 second-rounder and perhaps a player like Max Domi," Richardson wrote.
Even at age 35, Lee put up very solid numbers for the Islanders last season. Lee posted 29 goals and 25 assists for New York, showing he could still make an impact.
He could give the Maple Leafs a major boost come playoff time. Toronto has a roster that has succeeded in the regular season, so adding help for the playoffs should be a priority for the front office.
Lee may want to be on a contending team before his career ends, and the Maple Leafs could provide him with a chance to win. The veteran will be a free agent at the end of the season, so Toronto wouldn't be tied to him long-term if things didn't work out.
