Toronto Maple Leafs interested in two different Boston Bruins forwards

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Joshua Deeds
November 27, 2024 (11:57)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are missing a key forward in Auston Matthews. He's in Germany attempting to treat an undisclosed injury to the star player.

The Maple Leafs have had to dig into their depth to stay "competitive" and the depth isn't as significant as one would hope.

In the top six, they've had to utilize players like Bobby McMann, and Pontus Holmberg who have been considered bottom-six forwards in the past. They're missing more than just Auston Matthews though:

Matthew Knies, Max Domi, and Max Pacioretty, and depth forwards David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok.

With other top-nine forwards out of the lineup, GM Brad Treliving needs to make a move.

Trent Frederic

One Boston Bruins forward that the Maple Leafs could trade for is Trent Frederic. Frederic put up a career-high of 40 points last season, posting 18 goals, and has drawn the interest of several NHL teams.

His contract is easily moveable at an AAV of $2.3 Million and would be an affordable rental should fail to extend him.

Over the past four seasons, he has consistently performed well, with an expected goals share (xGF%) of 50% or more in every campaign, including seasons of 53.54% and 54.60% in 2021-22 and 2022-23. In addition, the Bruins have controlled most of the high-danger scoring chances share (HDCF%) when he is on the ice.

Frederic could serve as a better option on the third line, compared to Ryan Reaves which doesn't offer an offensive upside. He has a total of 300 PIMs, and ten fighting majors and could be a valuable addition for the postseason.

Morgan Geekie

Geekie had a breakout season in 2023-2024, which saw him score 39 points( 17 G, 22 A) but has struggled this year.

He's only scored 4 points( 1 G, 3 A) in 17 games, which puts him on a dismal pace of only 19 points. This is ironic considering his XGF% is 56.26% and has a high-danger percentage of 60.71%.

His defensive stats bode well for any team who'd try to add him before the trade deadline as well.

has been excellent defensively, allowing the second-fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) on the roster.

But his luck hasn't been great according to JP Gambatese of THW:

What this tells me is that Geekie has been incredibly unlucky, which is backed by the stats. He has the second-lowest PDO on the roster, next to Frederic - it measures a player's luck by combining the team's shooting percentage (SH%) and save percentage (SV%) at 5v5.

The Bruins could get significant assets in return for Geekie if they shop him around as he could continue to break out. His luck may have run out, but his capabilities to put in the back of the net haven't.

Given a fresh start somewhere else, he could thrive especially under a coach like Craig Berube, who has a Stanley Cup-winning pedigree.