The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively hunting for a top-six winger after the recent trade of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. With most elite free agents already signed, the most viable solution appears to be a trade. Analyst Jeremy Tingly suggests that Nino Niederreiter of the Winnipeg Jets could be a low-risk addition to fill Marner’s gap. The Jets, having lost Nik Ehlers to the Carolina Hurricanes, would likely seek a winger in return, potentially making Nick Robertson or Bobby McMann attractive options for the Maple Leafs.

Niederreiter, 32, had a modest season last year with 17 goals but demonstrated playoff resilience with impressive hits, making him appealing to Toronto's general manager Brad Treliving. With nearly $5 million in cap space, the Leafs can absorb his $4 million salary without needing to increase their payroll significantly. However, the feasibility of the trade hinges on the Jets' willingness to consider the aforementioned players as part of the deal.