The Toronto Maple Leafs have the top selection in this year's NHL draft. You could call it lucky, or you could say that the NHL "assisted" the Leafs to jump four places in the lottery to snag top prospect, Gavin McKenna. After all, the Leafs are one of the most historic franchises in the league, have not won a Stanley Cup since LBJ was contemplating reelection, and despite having a multitude of great players, couldn't win a playoff series if they had ten men on the ice.
With that said, the Leafs are expected to be kind of lousy for a while. So, for the Flyers, getting Toronto's 2027 first-rounder feels like a good thing, especially since the 2027 Draft appears to be stronger than this one.
However, what if they could be lured away from this pick? What if they could be offered a tempting package that could cause them to trade away McKenna, who is expected to be a sure-fire thing? Could this happen? Do the Flyers have enough ammo to make it happen?
Flyers could offer Leafs one of their young forwards
For a while, there have been signs around the Flyers that they may not be happy with the development of Matvei Michkov. He took a big step back this season after a great rookie year. Maybe it is getting used to a new system of playing. However, rumors have leaked about him showing up out of shape to camp or that he was dealing with nagging injuries. Getting benched during the playoffs also didn't help, as he pretty much disappeared. Internet trolls jumped on this and spread disinformation that quickly spread.
Still, if there is any truth to these rumors that he is unhappy or that the Flyers are unhappy with him, the team should trade him while they can get something for him.
So, for a chance to get McKenna, the Flyers should offer: Michov, their 2026 first-round pick, one of their two 2027 first-round picks, and perhaps a defensive prospect or two. The Leafs would lose out on McKenna but would gain a young budding star in Michkov, two other first-rounders, and one or two young defenders that could solidify their blue line.
There is most likely no way that Toronto would ever, ever budge on a player like McKenna. But if they could, the Flyers gotta jump on it. The cost would be very high. However, could you see McKenna streaking down the left with Porter Martone on the right, centered by Trevor Zegras down the middle? That would be the best line Philly has had since the Legion of Doom.
Just saying, if there is any possible way that Daniel Briere could make this move, they have to try it.
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