Maple Leafs' Trade Pursuit Receives Bad Update From Pierre LeBrun

“The Toronto Maple Leafs showed interest in Andersson last season before the deadline and made an aggressive trade offer at the time,” LeBrun wrote. “But the Leafs don’t have that many assets left to deal — they don’t have a first-round pick until 2028 — and also have a need for a top-six forward.

“So I don’t think the Leafs can swing both. It’s going to be hard enough to upgrade at one of those two lineup spots, given Toronto’s limited trade assets.”

If the Leafs find a way to trade for Andersson, LeBrun reported that the player might be open to signing an extension to remain long-term in Toronto.

“What’s interesting there is that I believe the Leafs would be among the teams Andersson might be willing to sign with,” LeBrun wrote. “There’s some history there between the player and Leafs GM Brad Treliving from his days as Calgary’s GM, when Treliving drafted Andersson.”

Andersson, who is in the final season of his six-year, $27.3 million contract, assisted on three goals in Calgary’s 4–2 win over Seattle on Thursday. He has 25 points in 35 games this season.