Feb 9, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center John Mitchell (7) and defenseman Francois Beauchemin (32) skate for the puck as defenseman Nikita Zadorov (16) checks Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) in the third period at the Pepsi Center. The Penguins won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs: How to Take the Next Step

Toronto Maple Leafs: How to Take the Next Step by James Tanner

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a presence at the Colorado Avalanche versus Pittsburgh Penguins game last night.

Adrian Dater let twitter know that the Toronto Maple Leafs had a representitive at the Avalanche game against Pittsburgh Thursday night.

Maple Leafs have a scout at tonight’s Avs game. Avs have played Leafs the two required times already — Adrian Dater (@adater) February 9, 2017



Dater quickly points out that the two teams have no games remaining on the schedule.

The three names that immediately come to mind are Gabriel Landeskog, Matt Duchene and Tyson Barrie.

I’ve written about Landeskog before, as setting the market for JVR, and to acquire him makes zero sense with van Riemsdyk already in tow. At $5.57M for an additional four years after this season, Landeskog makes no sense for the Leafs.

Duchene makes no sense because the Leafs have Auston Matthews as a number one and Nazem Kadri is a better number two down the middle. Oh, and he’s $6M per year for two more years.

Barrie, though, was in the rumor mill connected to Toronto several times before signing his extension with Colorado. He still fits a need, but the cost to acquire might be more than the Leafs are willing to part with.

Outside of those three players, there’s only one player who really makes any sort of sense for Toronto.

John Mitchell

Mitchell fits into the depth center rumor from a few weeks ago.

When he’s on the ice the Avalanche get more shot attempts for, and less against. That considered, his actual shot-for percentage isn’t great, his goals-for percentage is awful and his scoring chances for percentage is bad.

How does the actual score-sheet look? One goal, no assists, in 43 games.

I think it’s safe to say he’s not the guy we’re looking for.

Who else interests the Leafs from the Avs? Beats me. I’ll take suggestions.

I guess there’s always the idea they could be dealing with Pittsburgh….