Maple Leafs GM Scouting Florida & Montreal

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to make multiple trades ahead of the March 3 trade deadline and general manager Kyle Dubas could be pulling the trigger on some moves long before. The Leafs GM has been scouting teams heavily of late, and doing it from the edge of his seat.

Dubas was listed as a scout for the latest Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens matchup and it's likely he was creeping on the Panthers much more than the Canadiens.

Kyle Dubas taking in the Habs/Cats game tonight. 👀 pic.twitter.com/aPxuYOZ8uZ

— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) January 20, 2023

The Panthers are believed to be looking to create some more financial flexibility for this upcoming offseason as the team is cash strapped and needs to make some more salary cap space. The only thing to consider is the fact the Panthers are only two points out of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot and won't be selling just for the sake of selling if it means their postseason chances diminish.

Toronto could be interested in Panthers forward Sam Bennett, who is the type of versatile forward the Leafs could use more of. Bennett has been linked to the Leafs before and if he's indeed available, you can bet Dubas is going to make a very strong offer. 

Bennett is signed through the 2024-25 season at a reasonable $4.4 million. He's recorded 30 points in 47 games and does not hold any trade protection.

Photo credit:  David Berding-USA TODAY Sports