Stanley Cup champion Ross Colton surfaces as a trade target for the Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving's focus should be on acquiring players who elevate their performance in the playoffs. After several disappointing playoff exits, the organization aims to finally reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

While addressing gaps in their defense should be a priority for the Leafs, an intriguing possibility has emerged to bolster offensive depth: Stanley Cup champion Ross Colton, currently with the Colorado Avalanche.

First reported by respected insider Frank Seravalli, the Colorado Avalanche are aiming to create cap space and may entertain trading Colton, despite his affordable $4M AAV contract that runs for another three seasons.

Then, The Athletic's Kevin Papetti believes that the Toronto Maple Leafs are possibly interested in acquiring Ross Colton:

At 27 years old, Colton tallied 40 points last season. The Maple Leafs could benefit from his penalty-killing prowess and physical play. Over 270 career regular-season games, he has delivered 518 hits.

Treliving possesses sufficient trade assets to present a compelling offer to the Avalanche. In the proposed trade, Colton would join Toronto in exchange for Timothy Liljegren and a 3rd-round pick.

The 6-foot forward would fit well in Toronto, though it might require sacrificing either Max Domi or Tyler Bertuzzi to free agency. Brad Treliving still has time to decide, but with the NHL draft just a week away, action could come at any moment.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Maple Leafs linked to Stanley Cup champion Ross Colton on the trade market