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Shocking Maple Leafs Trade Report Emerges from Top NHL Analyst As the Maple Leafs consider potential trades, one NHL analyst believes a top prospect could be the key. Toronto Might Trade Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan: Justin Bourne While it is difficult to imagine the Maple Leafs parting with either of their top prospects, their window to win is now. Bourne emphasizes that this isn't a year for adding depth; it's a year to make a bold statement: 'The Leafs don't need a deadline with just bottom-six grinders and a seventh defenseman. This is a strange year, without clear favorites, and the Leafs have as good a chance as any. They need to make a bigger move to stand out.' However, such a move would come at a significant cost, both financially and in assets. Toronto might need to part with one of their prospects (or potentially Nikita Grebenkin, whose potential could attract several teams), and they may also have to give up their 2026 first-round pick. Regarding Minten, he has already demonstrated he can play in the NHL. Although his scoring hasn't yet taken off, his potential is high, and at worst, he could be a solid second-line center or a strong third-line player. Bourne notes that Minten's readiness should be a key factor: 'Minten is a player who would excite another team (he can play in the NHL today and is, at worst, a highly intelligent two-way third-line center).' In 15 games with the Maple Leafs, Minten has scored two goals and two assists, primarily used on an emergency basis. Drafted 38th overall by Toronto in 2022, he is considered a promising prospect. He remains somewhat of a wild card, as it's uncertain if his junior success will translate to the NHL. Bourne mentions that although Cowan is less known, he offers high upside and higher risk: 'Cowan has higher upside but also higher risk, making him appealing to many teams looking to sell.' Cowan is relatively inexpensive at $4.5 million, and moving out the salaries of Dewar and Timmins, along with a potential top-nine forward in Grebenkin and a late second-round pick (between 55-64), could persuade GM Barry Trotz to make a deal, especially given the lack of immediate playoff hopes. Either way, Toronto seems poised to make a trade. The real question is: How eager are they to improve now, and will it cost them their future? Who do you think the Maple Leafs will trade of their two top prospects? HOCKEYPATROL.COM COPYRIGHT @2025 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. TERMS - POLICIES #J-18808-Ljbffr