BREAKING: Trade Pitch Has Maple Leafs Acquiring Star $49 Million Forward in Blockbuster

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in their prime contention window for the Stanley Cup, and a trade idea suggests they could land a star forward.

Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows fans to craft trade scenarios, one user proposed a deal where the Maple Leafs would acquire Anders Lee from the New York Islanders.

Maple Leafs acquire:

Anders Lee ($2 million retained)

Islanders acquire:

David Kampf
Nick Robertson

2026 first-round pick

The proposed trade would be a major move, with the Maple Leafs acquiring Anders Lee in exchange for two NHL players and a first-round draft pick.

Lee, the Islanders’ captain, is in the sixth year of his seven-year, $49 million contract. A top-six forward, he would significantly enhance Toronto’s offense. So far this season, Lee has played in 25 games, tallying 10 goals and 9 assists for a total of 19 points.

The first-round pick would be the centerpiece of the return for the Islanders, while 23-year-old Nick Robertson is another critical piece. Robertson has shown potential to be an impactful player but has struggled this season, with just 2 goals in 21 games. He will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

David Kämpf, included as a depth piece, would serve as a fourth-line center for the Islanders. A reliable defensive forward and penalty killer, Kämpf is in the second year of a four-year, $9.6 million contract. This season, he has played 18 games, registering 3 assists but no goals.

Analyst Expects Maple Leafs to Trade Robertson

Nick Robertson’s name surfaced in trade discussions over the summer after he requested a move, though no deal materialized. With his ongoing struggles to make a significant impact, Robertson is once again at the center of trade speculation.

NHL analyst Edward Eng of FanSided believes the Maple Leafs should consider parting ways with Robertson before the trade deadline.

“If giving Robertson a higher role in the lineup doesn’t result in better production, Toronto will need to seriously evaluate whether a fresh start elsewhere would benefit both Robertson and the team long-term. However, it’s crucial they ensure he gets a legitimate final opportunity first,” Eng wrote.

Currently slotted on the Maple Leafs’ third line, Robertson has struggled to generate much offense this season, fueling the debate about his future with the team.

Lee Having Success Now That He’s Healthy

After battling injuries in recent seasons, Anders Lee is finally healthy and thriving, reclaiming his role as a key player for the Islanders.

Lee, the Islanders’ captain, has been instrumental in their performance, with NHL analyst Mike Frink of The Hockey Writers highlighting his impact as a major factor in New York’s competitiveness.

“The offensive zone play has been great, but that’s not what stands out,” Frink wrote. “What does is Lee’s ability to do it all, combined with skating more fluidly and faster than in previous seasons. He’s exploiting space and thriving on the rush, becoming a versatile skater—a quality we haven’t seen from him in years, particularly since the 2020-21 season.”

The Islanders have started the season with a 9-10-6 record, and Lee’s resurgence has been a bright spot for the team.