Maple Leafs Linked to Bruins' Two Key Players – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have already made some drastic changes to their team and there are more to come. After hiring Craig Berube as the team's next coach, he is now focused on his assistants (rumored to be Marc Savard) and the roster. With free agents pending and uncertainty surrounding Mitch Marner's future, Toronto and GM Brad Treliving may have more cap space and an opportunity to spend during the offseason.

Berube will likely have some input on the types of players he would like and as such, it makes sense for the Maple Leafs to be linked with the Boston Bruins, who may also be looking to make a move this summer.

Is Jake DeBrusk the Forward the Leafs Can Follow?

Jake DeBrusk, 27, just completed a two-year contract and is in line for a big raise from his $4 million player bonus after an impressive performance, including 11 points in 13 games with the Bruins. Unfortunately, he hasn't heard from the Bruins and while he is hoping for an extension, nothing is happening yet. He said, “I thought it would be done.” Those words do not inspire a level of confidence that both sides are on the same page.

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In the regular season, DeBrusk scored 19 goals and 21 assists, accumulating 40 points in 80 games. He's the type of forward the Leafs might be interested in because he's skilled and not afraid to step it up, especially in games. With DeBrusk approaching free agency in July, several teams looking for a top-six forward could show interest if a deal with the Bruins can't be finalized. Besides the Maple Leafs, Fourth Period notes that early suitors include the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers.

Toronto wants to re-sign Tyler Bertuzzi, but DeBrusk could be an addition or replacement if Bertuzzi ends up elsewhere. And, if Marner is eventually removed, DeBrusk is someone who could bring back some of the lost production.

Linus Ullmark is on the Trade Block Out of Boston

Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark is entering the final year of his contract, which includes a 16-team no-trade list this season and a 15-team no-trade list in 2024-25. Recent reports say he doesn't want to leave Boston and it seems unlikely that the Bruins will trade him to Toronto. However, that doesn't mean the Maple Leafs would be interested and somehow make a deal out of the blue.

Ullmark's numbers have been solid and he will be the best goaltender the Leafs have had in some time.

The Bruins have been involved in trade talks regarding Ullmark this offseason and multiple sources suggest that the Bruins are open to moving Ullmark this summer as they intend to offer goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman to RFA. The Kings, Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, and Maple Leafs are all expected to be looking for the No. 1 goaltender in the coming weeks.

In Toronto, it's like 1B as Treliving has concerns about Joseph Woll's injury history. Someone like Ullmark, who has one season left, gives Toronto a chance to see where Woll is at and if he remains a health concern, Toronto could look to sign Ullmark.

This would be a very difficult move for Toronto. They will first have to make sure that Ullmark is open to travel there. Second, they may have to include another team in the deal as the Bruins may demand a higher premium to take him to a direct rival.