The Boston Bruins have made it clear: they’re not in the market to buy at this year’s trade deadline and could instead become sellers. With the team currently outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture and missing key defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy, the Toronto Maple Leafs should be eyeing their divisional rival for potential reinforcements.
The Bruins have exactly what the Leafs need most: a reliable, two-way center to slot behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares. As Leafs GM Brad Treliving outlined last month, the ideal candidate is someone who’s “reliable on both sides of the puck” and “can add offence.” Enter **Charlie Coyle**, Boston’s 6-foot-3, 218-pound center, who fits that description almost perfectly.
Coyle, who has one year left on his contract with a $5.25 million cap hit, has been a top-six center for the Bruins in recent seasons. For the Leafs, he’d be an ideal third-line pivot, bringing size, strength, skating ability, and defensive reliability. During last spring’s playoff series against Toronto, Coyle logged the most five-on-five minutes against Matthews, holding the Leafs to just one goal in 33.5 minutes of ice time while keeping shots nearly even.
Adding Coyle would allow the Leafs to ease the defensive burden on Matthews and Tavares, particularly in the postseason. With Coyle handling tough defensive assignments, coach Craig Berube could deploy Tavares more in offensive situations, maximizing his effectiveness and reducing wear and tear on the 34-year-old.
Offensively, Coyle brings solid production. While this season has been a down year for him (and much of the Bruins roster), he posted career highs of 25 goals and 60 points last season. In the two years prior, he consistently delivered 16 goals and 44-45 points—a level of production the Leafs could reasonably expect moving forward.
Pairing Coyle with Bobby McMann and Calle Järnkrok would create a third line with strong two-way potential, giving Toronto the depth they need to make a deeper playoff run. If the Bruins are indeed sellers, Coyle could be the perfect addition for the Leafs to address a critical need.
Leave a Reply