After a great start to the season that saw the Leafs jump out to 6-2-2 in the first ten games, the results have been gradually worsening, culminating in just 2 wins in the past 10 games. This was enough to force Leafs GM Jelliman to make a move he's been considering for some time, mainly moving on from top line Centre Jack Eichel who has not produced in the way the team had hoped when they traded for him just over 2 seasons ago. In return the Leafs added highly rated young C Trevor Zegras, who immediately becomes the scoring leader for the Leafs and he's in the midst of potentially a breakout season, now his 4th. Still just 22, he has the potential to be a core piece and is already locked up for the next 4 seasons. To add him, the Leafs also had to include highly-touted prospect Noah Ostlund and a 2031 1st round pick along with Eichel to pry Zegras from LA's hands. It's a steep price to pay, but if Zegras can energize the Leafs moribund offence and get them back into a playoff spot, and continue to develop along the lines he has, it could end up being great value.
10/30/2023 - 210 words
