Maple Leafs 'Best Trade Chip' Identified By NHL Analyst

The Toronto Maple Leafs still have some business left to address regarding their roster construction for the upcoming 2024-25 season, including getting another left wing into the fold.

If they want to do that via trade instead of signing a veteran free agent, with notable links to Max Pacioretty, then Toronto will have to send someone the other way in a transaction.

According to hockey analyst James Tanner of Editor in Leaf , the Leafs have their "best trade chip" in defenseman Jake McCabe.

"At the peak of his value and with the best reputation he's ever had since breaking into the NHL over a decade ago, and with an absolute sweet-heart of a deal, the Leafs should capitalize and trade Jake McCabe right now," Tanner wrote on August 30. "McCabe is a good player and a very solid second pairing player. He is versitile, he hits, and he's good defensively."

Tanner argues that McCabe's current value, combined with his favorable contract, makes him an ideal candidate for a trade.

For context, the Leafs still have more than $1.2 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia , giving them enough room to land a free agent on a low-salary deal.

That said, McCabe carries a palatable cap hit of just $2 million, making him a valuable asset and a great piece to move in potential trades.

"In my opinion, McCabe is an underrated trade option for the Leafs and their best trade chip overall," Tanner wrote.

While Tanner floated a few names the Leafs might target in a trade involving McCabe, namely Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane and New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, it looks like Toronto is pursuing different players.

During an August 26 segment on TSN’s “First Up,” analysts Aaron Korolnek and Dave Feschuk discussed the possibility of van Riemsdyk returning to Toronto.

Meanwhile, The Leafs Nation insider Nick Alberga reported on Aug. 29 that the Leafs are "firmly in the mix" to sign Pacioretty, confirming Elliotte Friedman's report of Toronto's interest in signing a left winger.

Related: Report: Maple Leafs 'Firmly In The Mix' To Sign 900-Game Veteran