Insider Links Blockbuster Between Maple Leafs & Sharks

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be making multiple trades ahead of the March 3 trade deadline and while their GM has been busy scouting the Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens, one hockey insider has them linked to a big trade with the San Jose Sharks.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs could be a favorite to land Timo Meier from the Sharks. This would be a blockbuster deal as the trade package heading to San Jose would be a significant package. Meier is having a career season and is a pending restricted free agent. Anytime a player of this caliber is dealt who has team control ahead of him, it's a massive return.

Pierre LeBrun on OverDrive: “I would not be surprised if they [TOR] added on defence, added up front, & maybe even added twice up front.”

“I think Timo Meier is a guy that the Leafs would have among their list of options. Again, because he wouldn’t be a rental.”#LeafsForever
— Joseph Zita (@josephdzita) January 20, 2023

The Maple Leafs have a number of trade assets they are dangling including goaltender Joseph Woll who is putting up historic numbers in the American Hockey League. The Leafs also have prospects Fraser Minten and Topi Niemela who have also interested other teams, along with Pontus Holmberg and Bobby McMann.

As for Meier, he's recorded 46 points in 46 games this season and also has registered a team-leading 103 hits. He's a rare combination of speed, skill and toughness and the Leafs won't be the only ones trying to get their hands on the 26-year-old forward. The Sharks are expected to allow interested teams a chance to negotiate a contract extension with Meier which will certainly help when it comes to what San Jose will be getting back in return. Smart move by GM Mike Grier as this will allow for the Sharks to maximize the return on their best player ahead of the trade deadline as San Jose looks to continue their rebuild.