Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs need a massive jolt. Head coach Craig Berube should be banging the table for a blockbuster trade bringing Shane Wright home.
The Seattle Kraken center is exactly what this roster lacks right now. Wright boasts a solid 6-foot, 192-pound frame and deep roots in nearby Burlington.
The hometown connection alone makes this a highly attractive scenario for the Maple Leafs front office. Playing out West, the 22-year-old is grinding through a gritty defensive role.
With 11 goals and 22 points through 56 appearances this season, he is flashing his true ceiling. His 13:54 of average ice time screams underutilization by the Kraken coaching staff.
The cost to pry him loose from the Pacific division will be incredibly high. Top prospect Easton Cowan is the ultimate trade chip to get this deal done.
Cowan is battling to cement his daily NHL role under the bright Toronto lights. With 17 points and a +2 rating through 43 games this season, the energetic winger is finding his footing.
He is averaging 13:31 of ice time and fighting hard for every single shift. Seattle desperately needs his relentless transition game and consistent offensive output.
A Blockbuster For The Future
Cowan thrives on the forecheck and brings a disruptive element the Kraken severely lack. The Kraken struggle to generate speed through the neutral zone on a nightly basis.
Adding Cowan instantly upgrades their top-six ceiling and injects pure energy into the lineup. A one-for-one swap solves immediate structural problems for both of these franchises.
Wright provides the Maple Leafs with a massive, right-handed center for their middle six. He already has 84 shots on net and 42 blocked shots this year, proving his true 200-foot value.
Getting a responsible two-way forward who can win draws and clear the crease is paramount. Leafs Nation would absolutely erupt over this local homecoming.
The fan base craves size and grit down the middle, especially when the postseason begins. Adding a heavy, physical center from their own backyard checks every single box for a deep playoff run.
Seattle fans would instantly embrace Cowan and his high-motor, fast-paced style. He brings the exact spark their forward group needs to ignite the offense down the stretch.
The Maple Leafs front office has the pieces to make this reality before the deadline. A massive shakeup is required if this team expects to survive a grueling seven-game series.
It is time to pull the trigger and send Cowan out West. A bold move changes everything.
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Blockbuster trade proposal brings Shane Wright to the Maple Leafs
Should the Maple Leafs trade Easton Cowan for Shane Wright?