With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Maple Leafs remain one of the few top contenders yet to make a move but willing to pull something off.
While Brad Treliving has been careful with his words while tempering expectations, those within the team are making their wishes clear, including head coach Craig Berube.
“We’re all looking to better our team if we can. That’s the best way I put it,” Berube said before Wednesday’s game.
While the Leafs sit tied for first place in the Atlantic Division, their closest rivals have been more aggressive in strengthening their rosters, which should push Toronto to act fast.
Florida acquired former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones, while Tampa Bay added Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde a few days later.
Treliving acknowledged the need to improve but also pointed out the challenges involved when speaking to the media at the start of March.
“Ultimately, it’s more about looking at your team,” Treliving said. “Where are the areas that you think you can improve upon? Are there players out there that can make a difference and move the needle? And sometimes moving the needle is small.
“Maybe it’s not the sexy headline-grabbing move, but where are areas that you can shore up? And ultimately, what’s available? What’s the cost and how does it all fit in?”
With only a bit over $100,000 in cap space for maneuvering ahead of Friday’s deadline, the Leafs will need salary retention to make any additions.
That, in turn, might lead the franchise to try to find three-team trades at the deadline, so another team helps Toronto in taking a bigger deadline swing.