While acknowledging the unlikelihood, NHL insider Darren Dreger playfully suggested a blockbuster trade scenario involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues, which could see the Leafs part with their first overall draft pick.
Dreger, speaking on a recent broadcast, entertained the idea of the Maple Leafs leveraging their top draft selection. He noted that while teams generally are hesitant to move high draft picks, especially in the top five, the Leafs might consider it given their current team-building window with Auston Matthews. Matthews has two years remaining on his contract, and the team’s leadership, including key players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares, has expressed a desire to add competitive pieces, such as a right-shot defenseman and forward help.
To illustrate his point, Dreger proposed a hypothetical deal where the Maple Leafs package the first overall pick, and potentially other assets, to acquire forwards Robert Thomas and defenseman Colton Parayko from the St. Louis Blues. He questioned whether the first overall pick alone would be sufficient for both players.
Adding another layer to the speculation, Dreger even tossed in the idea of goaltender Jordan Binnington being part of the package, with Toronto potentially sending one of their American Hockey League goalies in return. Despite the fun in exploring such possibilities, Dreger reiterated his belief that such a monumental trade is ultimately improbable.
English Translation and Paraphrasing:
Darren Dreger is having some fun by proposing a massive Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues trade that could involve the first overall pick. He acknowledges it’s unlikely but explores the possibility. Dreger speculates that the Maple Leafs might consider trading the first overall pick due to their competitive window with Auston Matthews. He suggests a hypothetical deal where the Leafs could acquire forwards Robert Thomas and defenseman Colton Parayko from the Blues, potentially adding goaltender Jordan Binnington into the mix. However, Dreger maintains that such a significant trade is probably not going to happen.
