Maple Leafs must act fast in trade rumblings with the Penguins!

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is working hard this summer, looking to address in the void up front from the loss of Mitch Marner. Just recently, insider Frank Seravalli revealed how the Leafs are focused on the urgent plan to replace Marner, despite missing out on significant moves this offseason.

But now, the Maple Leafs must act fast if they want to avoid another failed trade ahead of the 2025-26 season.

On Daily Face-Off live, co-hosts Matt Larkin and Tyler Yaremchuk discussed the potential moves the Pittsburgh Penguins could make and how likely it that either or both forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell will be on the trade block, as Pittsburgh could be willing to tank to win the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes as the projected first overall pick in the upcoming draft.

But many suitors are interested in the veteran forwards and Toronto needs to get on it if it wants to land one of them for a major boost up front.

“So, I’m looking at Bryan Rust. I’m looking at Rickard Rakell. There are a few teams that still need a top-six forward. If you can make money work, I think Winnipeg does. I think Toronto does.”

Both Rust and Rakell fit the mold of what Toronto needs. Rust has been a reliable fixture in Pittsburgh for nearly a decade, a gritty, experienced forward with a proven track record alongside elite talent. Rakell, meanwhile, is coming off a career-best 70-point season and brings a rare mix of physicality, defensive awareness, and scoring touch. The Maple Leafs would love to have that.

To land either player, the Maple Leafs may have to part with real assets. But if Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is open to dealing with his former team, the price might not be too bad. He could look for goaltending help, as netminder Dennis Hildeby could be on the verge of breaking into an NHL starter role. Toronto also has pieces like William Villeneuve and Nick Robertson, young talents ready for bigger opportunities, even on a rebuilding roster.

Regardless of who the Leafs pursue, Rust would bring leadership, championship pedigree, and the ability to slot seamlessly into a top-six role. Rakell offers underrated star power, with 519 career points and 78 goals over the last three seasons — exactly the kind of power winger Toronto’s second line is missing.

If the Penguins are truly leaning into a full teardown, Leafs’ Treliving should seize the opportunity. Help Pittsburgh get worse while helping his own team get a whole lot better.