TSN’s Aaron Korolnek has mentioned 3 names in connection to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are looking to upgrade on the left side of the ice.
On Sunday, trusted NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman came out of his summer hibernation, contributing his first full 32 Thoughts since the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Among the things he mentioned in the written submission for Sportsnet was that the Leafs were looking to upgrade on the left wing.
Brad Treliving put an emphasis on his blueline and his crease this summer, adding Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Chris Tanev and Anthony Stolarz to the mix in Toronto, but the one thing he didn’t add at the NHL level was an impact forward to replace the departed Tyler Bertuzzi.
On TSN 1050’s “First Up” this morning, host Aaron Korolnek made mention of the Leafs’ pursuit of an upgrade on the left side, mentioning three names that could fit the bill in Toronto.
“The Maple Leafs reportedly interested in adding to their left wing depth, which I think makes a lot of sense considering what they currently have on their roster and what they currently don’t with Nick Robertson remaining unsigned as a restricted free agent. I did look to see who’s out there. Who’s available? James van Riemsdyk — what a reunion that would be, a possibility. Max Pacioretty, maybe Nick Cousins.”
Obviously, the Leafs organization is very familiar with van Riemsdyk, so a potential reunion is a possibility. At 35, there are some concerns about JVR slowing down, but he still played well for Boston last season and could be a viable option in the bottom six.
Pacioretty is believed to have a few different suitors, and appears less likely, as the First Up crew mentioned on the show. Also, when looking at Pacioretty’s lengthy injury history, that might give the Leafs pause, especially if he’s looking for anything above the league minimum.
Nick Cousins is the one that has really raised a few eyebrows. One of the most-hated players in the NHL, Cousins knows how to get under the skin of the opposition, albeit at the cost of sometimes crossing the line and getting himself into some trouble. Two of the 31-year-old just watched two of his Florida teammates sign in Toronto after winning a Stanley Cup. Would he be interested in joining them? He’d certainly be a good fit in the middle six.
Training camp is set to kick off next month, and with the Leafs in the market for players who make them tougher to play against, I’d offer up Cousins as my choice of the 3 names mentioned.
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