As the Toronto Maple Leafs navigate the offseason following Mitch Marner's departure, questions linger about how the team will replace his offensive production. While General Manager Brad Treliving has been working to fill the void, NHL analyst Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report has proposed a trade that could significantly bolster Toronto's top-six forward group.
Richardson predicts the Maple Leafs might target New York Islanders captain Anders Lee. Lee, a 35-year-old power forward, is entering the final year of his contract, which carries an annual average value of $7 million. While the Islanders have stated they are not looking to dismantle their team, they might consider trading Lee if they fall out of playoff contention. Last season, Lee scored 29 goals and added 25 assists, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute offensively.
To acquire Lee, Richardson suggests the Maple Leafs could offer a package including a 2026 second-round pick and forward Max Domi. With approximately $5.33 million in cap space, Toronto could potentially fit Lee's salary into their budget.
The potential acquisition of Lee addresses a couple of key needs for the Maple Leafs. First, he would provide much-needed size and physicality to a skilled lineup. At 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds, Lee is known for his net-front presence and ability to create space for his linemates. Second, Lee has a proven track record of scoring goals, having reached the 20-goal mark in nine of his 13 NHL seasons. This consistent offensive production could help offset the loss of Marner's scoring.
While Domi is a skilled player with playmaking abilities and chemistry with Auston Matthews, he has some defensive shortcomings. In 46 games, Domi has 3 goals and 17 assists while averaging 14:41 of ice time. Moving Domi would also free up cap space to facilitate the acquisition of Lee.
The Maple Leafs have been linked to other Islanders players as well. Noah Dobson was mentioned as a potential target.
Ultimately, whether the Maple Leafs pursue a trade for Anders Lee or another power forward remains to be seen. However, the team is clearly looking for ways to improve their roster and increase their chances of a deep playoff run. Adding a player like Lee could be a significant step in that direction.
