The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the market for a centerman as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.
The team is particularly seeking a third-line center, and NHL analyst Chris Gerics of HockeyPatrol has linked them to Casey Mittelstadt of the Colorado Avalanche.
“If Colorado is open to moving Mikko Rantanen, it’s hard to predict what the right deal would be,” Gerics wrote. “However, if the Avalanche are lukewarm on Mittelstadt, a trade could be feasible. He brings everything Toronto needs—goal-scoring, playmaking ability, solid faceoff skills (despite a dip in numbers this season), and two more years on his contract. He would also be a valuable asset on the power play.”
Mittelstadt is currently in the first year of a three-year, $17.25 million contract with Colorado, but his name has surfaced in trade discussions. Gerics suggests a potential trade involving Mittelstadt and Oliver Kylington in exchange for Easton Cowan, Nick Robertson, Topi Niemelä, and a 2026 third-round pick.
“With the Leafs eager to make a move, there are several options on the table,” Gerics added. “Mittelstadt stands out as a hidden gem, though acquiring him would come at the cost of Toronto’s future prospects.”
So far this season, Mittelstadt has played 55 games with the Avalanche, tallying 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points.
Mittelstadt as a Trade Candidate
Colorado acquired Mittelstadt at last season’s trade deadline, but just a year later, he’s back in trade rumors. He has struggled to find his footing with the Avalanche, and Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli ranks him fifth on his trade bait board.
“Since both Mittelstadt and Bowen Byram are among our trade targets, it’s clear that neither side has been thrilled with the one-for-one swap that shocked many at the 2024 deadline,” Seravalli wrote. “Unlike Byram, Mittelstadt is under contract for two more seasons, offering some cost certainty. However, he hasn’t quite meshed with Jared Bednar’s system or been as productive as expected. If the right deal emerges, Colorado is open to making a move.”
Mittelstadt, originally drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2017, currently serves as Colorado’s second-line center.
Maple Leafs Expected to Pursue a Center
Toronto is expected to be active leading up to the deadline. While they already boast one of the league’s strongest rosters, general manager Brad Treliving acknowledges that acquiring a center may not be straightforward.
“I think we have depth,” Treliving said on January 13. “We have several guys who can play the position. Is it an area we’re looking to improve? Yes. But when you look at the top of the lineup—Auston [Matthews] and the season John [Tavares] is having—it’s unrealistic to think we’ll add someone above them. Can we look for depth? Absolutely. But 15 to 18 other teams are also looking for center help, making it a highly competitive market.”
Currently, the Maple Leafs hold a 32-19-2 record, placing them second in the Atlantic Division.
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