As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to navigate a frustrating and underwhelming season, the conversation around what comes next for this team is heating up. During the first intermission of their game against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, the Sportsnet panel tackled that very question. And while there were a few familiar suggestions floated-selling at the deadline, moving depth pieces-one proposal stood out for its sheer ambition.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman dropped a bold trade idea that could send shockwaves through Leafs Nation: Go out and get Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues.
Yes, that Robert Thomas. The 26-year-old center who’s already a three-time 75-point scorer, plays a responsible two-way game, and is locked in at $8.125 million annually for the next five seasons.
That kind of contract security, for a player just entering his prime, is rare. And for a Toronto team still searching for answers-and frankly, an identity-Friedman’s suggestion wasn’t just eye-catching.
It was strategic.
Let’s break it down.
Why Robert Thomas?
Thomas checks a lot of boxes for the Maple Leafs. He’s a right-handed center who brings top-six production and strong defensive instincts. In other words, he’s the kind of player who could help stabilize a roster that’s leaned heavily on its stars but has struggled to find consistency behind them.
More importantly, Thomas would give Toronto a long-term solution down the middle, potentially reshaping their forward core in a way that doesn’t just address this season’s struggles but sets the table for the future. With Mitch Marner’s name swirling in trade talks and questions lingering about the team’s long-term mix, Thomas could be the kind of foundational piece that helps usher in a new era.
What Would It Cost?
Naturally, a player like Thomas doesn’t come cheap. Panelists Justin Bourne and Nick Kypreos speculated that a potential package from Toronto would likely include their 2028 first-round pick, top prospect Easton Cowan, and goaltender Dennis Hildeby.
That’s a hefty price tag, especially when you consider the Leafs’ goaltending depth has already been tested by injuries to Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. Kypreos, in particular, expressed hesitation about moving Hildeby for that very reason.
But Friedman didn’t blink. His point was clear: You don’t often get a shot at acquiring a 26-year-old top-six center with term and a manageable cap hit.
If that opportunity presents itself, you take it.
“You’re not going to find a center at that number at that age,” Friedman said.
And he’s right. Centers like Thomas don’t hit the market often-especially ones with his blend of skill, age, and contract stability. If the Blues are open to moving him, it’s a conversation Toronto has to have.
A Statement Move
This wouldn’t be a rental. This wouldn’t be a band-aid. This would be a statement-both to the locker room and to the fan base-that the Leafs are serious about reshaping their core and pushing forward, even if it means parting with some of their most promising young assets.
It’s the kind of move that could jolt the team out of its current malaise and help shift the narrative away from another season of unmet expectations. And with the trade deadline looming, it’s the type of bold swing that general manager Brad Treliving may need to consider if he wants to change the course of this franchise.
Sure, there’s risk. But there’s also upside-the kind that could redefine the Leafs’ trajectory for years to come.
Because if Toronto truly wants to move past its recent postseason disappointments and build something sustainable, they may need to stop playing it safe. And Robert Thomas? He’s the kind of player you build around.