The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a pressing need at center, particularly if John Tavares leaves in free agency.
Even if Tavares returns, the Leafs will still need to bolster their second or third-line center options, depending on where Tavares slots into the lineup. With that in mind, LeafsNation analyst Jeremy Tingly believes Toronto should target Charlie Coyle of the Colorado Avalanche in a trade.
“Coyle brings a bit of everything—he scored 17 goals last season across stints with the Bruins and Avalanche, contributed on both the power play and penalty kill, delivered 108 hits, and won nearly 50% of his faceoffs,” Tingly explained. “Ideally, he’d be over 50% in the faceoff circle, but he could work on that or learn from Matthews in practice. Starting with puck possession is a major edge.”
Tingly also noted that Coyle is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $5.2 million cap hit. At 33, he could appeal to Leafs GM Brad Treliving as a short-term extension candidate. “He’s a clear upgrade on guys like Laughton or Kampf for a top-six role. He’s not a flashy name, but he’d add real value,” Tingly added.
Although the Avalanche just acquired Coyle at the trade deadline, his name is already surfacing in trade discussions. He would bring added offensive depth and playoff experience to Toronto’s center group.
Avalanche Exploring Trade Options for Coyle
Despite parting with Casey Mittelstadt, prospect William Zellers, and a 2025 second-round pick to get him, the Avalanche are reportedly shopping Coyle. According to reports, he hasn’t meshed with the Avalanche core and has clashed with star forward Nathan MacKinnon.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff placed Coyle 10th on his trade bait list.
“Other than Dallas, who made cap space with the Marchment move, Colorado might be in the toughest financial spot,” Seravalli wrote. “With MacKinnon at $12.6 million and Brock Nelson now signed for $7.5 million, Coyle’s $5.25 million as a third-line center feels like a luxury. That’s why his name came up during the Scouting Combine in Buffalo. He’s one of three Avs on the block as they try to create cap room.”
Coyle notched just one goal in seven playoff games for Colorado and has one year remaining on his six-year, $31.5 million deal.
Tavares Talks Stall—Fueling Coyle Interest
Toronto’s urgency to pursue Coyle may also stem from a lack of progress in extension talks with Tavares. While Tavares has expressed a desire to stay, negotiations are reportedly stalled.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports that contract discussions between the Leafs and Tavares’ agent Pat Brisson are ongoing but not close to resolution.
“They haven’t found common ground on an extension,” LeBrun wrote. “As of Saturday, the two sides remained far apart.”
Tavares had a productive season in 2024–25, tallying 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points in 75 games.
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