5 moves the Maple Leafs can make to get back to the playoffs

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 27: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been altered at the request of the Toronto Maple Leafs.): The 2017-2018 Toronto Maple Leafs pose for their official NHL Team Photo at the Air Canada Centre on April 27, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 27: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been altered at the request of the Toronto Maple Leafs.): The 2017-2018 Toronto Maple Leafs pose for their official NHL Team Photo at the Air Canada Centre on April 27, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: (EDITORS NOTE: Image Converted to Black and White) John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders high fives a fan on his way to warm-up prior to the game against Toronto Maple Leafs at Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: (EDITORS NOTE: Image Converted to Black and White) John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders high fives a fan on his way to warm-up prior to the game against Toronto Maple Leafs at Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Consider making an offer for John Tavares

It would be ambitious. It would shock the hockey world. And it would have to be executed perfectly.

John Tavares’ future with the New York Islanders has been a subject of intense debate from the beginning of the 2017-18 season. The 27-year-old center is sometimes even referred to as “the most sought-after free agent in NHL history.” As such, his future will surely occupy the talk circuit of hockey media until a move — or lack thereof — is announced.

Simply put, it’s unlikely — very unlikely — that Tavares ends up in Toronto. That said, it’s an interesting idea to entertain.

Steve Dangle — a known Maple Leafs superfan, hockey blogger and commentator — recently authored a piece in which he detailed the benefits and drawbacks of the Buds acquiring Tavares. Every fan of the franchise should give the article a read, as it highlights the implications surrounding a theoretical acquisition of this nature.

Many issues loom large, but two are particularly pressing.

  1. Would the addition of Tavares come at the cost of losing any key pieces?
  2. Would the addition of Tavares hinder the team’s ability to obtain other players?

While the realities that underline the aforementioned points of inquiry are still unclear, it’s probably beneficial to answer each respective question in the affirmative (at least for the purpose of reasonable conversation).

Is gaining Tavares worth losing crucial parts of the Buds’ lineup? Prospects? Draft picks? All of the above? By extension, can the Maple Leafs afford to set aside acquiring other pieces — namely defenders — at this stage of the Shanaplan?

Attaining the best center depth in the NHL would ultimately come at the cost of potentially wide-ranging expenses, so expect Dubas to tread his waters carefully.