Maple Leafs Predicted to Trade For Islanders Star

As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue 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 done a good job so far but they may need more help to truly compete for a title next year. But the team also has the option of enterting the year with the current group, to then access how they perform before the trade deadline.

The Maple Leafs could then look to make a major splash at the trade deadline if things don't work out as planned.

NHL writer Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report has predicted that the Maple Leafs will trade for veteran Anders Lee of the New York Islanders. Richardson put together predictions for next season's trade deadline and has Toronto add Lee to the mix.

"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 that he could still make a strong impact on a season.

Adding him to the mix would give this Maple Leafs team a major boost, and he could give them a jolt come playoff time. Toronto has a roster that has seen success in the regular season, so adding for the playoffs should be a priority for the front office.

Lee may want to be on more of 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 year, so Toronto also wouldn't be tied to him long-term if things didn't work out.

This could be a beneficial move for both sides if it were to take place next season.