Toronto Maple Leafs eyeing one of Jake DeBrusk, two other power forwards

Among the prime targets is Jake DeBrusk, whose career has so far been tethered to the Boston Bruins.

James Mirtle of The Athletic, in his latest exposition, unveils the Maple Leafs' interest not only in DeBrusk but also in two stalwarts formerly with the St. Louis Blues, Dakota Joshua and David Perron, both of whom thrived under coach Craig Berube. A shared trait among these athletes is their knack for goal-scoring, a skill Toronto is eager to amplify.

Despite a less impressive tally last year with only 19 goals and 40 points across 80 games, DeBrusk has previously demonstrated his scoring prowess, surpassing the 25-goal mark in the preceding two seasons. Known for his aggressive gameplay, DeBrusk consistently engages in the grittier aspects of the game, unafraid of physical play to secure advantageous positions.

David Perron, the most experienced among the trio at 36, continues to deliver commendable performances, maintaining a steady scoring record with double-digit goals over the past decade. His last six seasons include four instances of scoring 23 or more goals, an achievement adorned with a Stanley Cup victory, underscoring his valuable experience and consistency.

Dakota Joshua, originally drafted by the Leafs in 2014, has found his stride with the Vancouver Canucks in recent seasons. Standing tall at 6'3" and weighing 208 pounds, his robust physical presence and remarkable tally of 467 hits in the past two seasons make him an attractive option to enhance Toronto's middle six.

While the Maple Leafs' summer focus might lean towards bolstering the defensive line, general manager Brad Treliving also recognizes the importance of reinforcing the forward group with players who are not only adept at scoring but also bring physicality and playoff resilience.

As the free agency approaches on Monday, the anticipation around who will don the Maple Leaf blue grows, with the potential acquisitions poised to bring a dynamic shift to the team's strategy and performance in the challenging games ahead.

Source: The Athletic