The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly in the market for a top-six winger following the departure of Mitch Marner. With the free-agent market offering limited options, a potential trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, led by former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, could be a viable solution.

Several names have been linked to Toronto this summer, but Penguins wingers Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust appear to be the most realistic trade targets. Rakell is coming off a strong season, having scored 35 goals and 70 points, while Rust notched a career-best 65 points, including 31 goals. Both players have manageable cap hits of just over $5 million with three years remaining on their respective deals.

While the Leafs have added multiple lower-tier pieces to fill the offensive void left by Marner, the team still lacks a legitimate top-six scorer. Although players like Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, or Dakota Joshua could potentially fit alongside Auston Matthews or John Tavares, their ability to do so remains uncertain.

Here's where things get complicated: Dubas's intimate knowledge of the Leafs organization, including their cap situation, drafted players like Easton Cowan, and signed players like Calle Järnkrok, gives him significant leverage in any potential trade negotiations. Current Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is under pressure to add scoring, especially if his recent additions struggle to find their place.

The Penguins, on the other hand, are in no rush to make a deal. Dubas has no immediate need to trade either Rakell or Rust, as both players can still contribute to Pittsburgh's lineup. This patience allows the Penguins to demand a premium in return for either player, with trade conversations likely starting around prospects like Cowan or other top prospects.

According to reports, analyst Michael DeRosa believes that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a good destination for Rakell, and he could potentially play on the team's top line with captain Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. If acquired, Rakell could provide the Maple Leafs' forward group with proven goal-scoring and playmaking abilities, even if he were to play on the second line with William Nylander moving to the first line.

However, the Maple Leafs have just under $2 million in cap space, so they would need to clear cap space to acquire him. Current Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has spoken about the need to shake up the club's DNA after their latest playoff collapse, and Rakell could help make that possible.

However, there are potential complications. Rakell possesses a limited no-trade clause and might be unwilling to leave Pittsburgh. As training camp approaches, there's still a chance that both Rust and Rakell could remain on the Penguins' roster. NHL analyst Mark Madden has criticized Dubas for not yet trading Rust or Rakell.

Dubas himself has acknowledged that teams have been calling him to reacquire their second and third-round picks. He stated that he would consider such deals if teams are willing to pay a fair price. Dubas also mentioned that conversations regarding trades could happen after training camp and during the Olympic break in February.