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Leafs ready to make an enormous splash, says NHL Insider

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Mike Armenti
December 26, 2022 (9:45)

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The Leafs are on pace to set another franchise record in points this season, but according to every Leaf fan, that doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is getting past the first round of the playoffs come April.

To that end, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli believes the Leafs will be very aggressive at and leading up to the trade deadline. During a recent appearance on Sportsnet Central, Seravalli was asked about what the Leafs are going to do, knowing that they can't just be comfortable with the status quo.

"I think this time around they have the cap flexibility most likely with Jake Muzzin�s injury to afford themselves the opportunity to go out and continue to bolster this team.

Status quo isn't an option. I've said since day one this season, this is a burn-the-boat-type year for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They shouldn't be leaving any stone unturned when it comes to how this team shapes up entering the Stanley Cup playoffs.

You can accomplish all that you want in the regular season. You can throttle the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they did earlier this week, but to think that this team doesn't have holes and can not improve, I think would be a mistake.

Everyone knows that this team is going to be judged by how they fair in the playoffs."

- Seravalli on how he expects the Leafs to approach the upcoming deadline

Kyle Dubas has been reluctant to trade first round picks in the past for rental players, and the one time he did (Nick Foligno) it failed horribly. This year's upcoming draft is very deep and while Dubas would prefer to keep the first round pick, if there is any time to trade one for a rental. This is the year.

Many people believe the second line left wing spot is where Dubas needs to upgrade, but they could be holding that spot for Matthew Knies when his season finishes at the University of Minnesota. As Seravalli said, with the cap space from Jake Muzzin, the Leafs have the opportunity to go big game hunting, but they could also use that money to add a few middle six forwards and defenseman instead of one top six forward.

Regardless, it will be an intriguing few months up to the deadline to see how the Leafs approach it and see if Dubas is willing to go big to give the team what they need for a long run.

Previously on MapleLeafsLatest

Top prospect in jeopardy of missing World Juniors opener thanks to flight through Toronto

Leafs players share their favourite Christmas flicks

Tie Domi expresses his distaste for a Devils legend, calling him ''phony'', claiming he turned down every fight

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26 DECEMBRE \| 314 ANSWERS Leafs ready to make an enormous splash, says NHL Insider Will the Leafs trade their 2023 1st round pick for a difference-maker?
Yes	211	67.2 %
No	103	32.8 %
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