As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for another season with hopes of finally breaking through, the buzz around the team is reaching a fever pitch.

Despite a promising preseason, there’s a lingering sense that something crucial is missing from the lineup—a dynamic center who can elevate the offense and provide insurance in case of an unexpected setback.

While general manager Brad Treliving managed to secure Nicolas Roy, whispers persist that bigger names were within reach, and the rumor mill refuses to slow down.

In a surprising twist, top NHL insider Chris Johnston has thrown Bo Horvat’s name into the mix, hinting that the New York Islanders’ star could become available as the season unfolds.

With an impressive track record and the ability to rack up points, Horvat represents the kind of impact player that could transform Toronto’s fortunes overnight.

But with a hefty $68 million contract and significant obstacles in the way, the path to a blockbuster deal is anything but straightforward.

Could the Leafs make a daring move that changes the course of their season? What would it take to land a player of Horvat’s caliber, and how close did Toronto come this summer?

The answers lie just ahead—and they might surprise you.

New York Islanders center Bo Horvat

Photo credit: Imagn Images

Despite a solid start to the preseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking to inject offense into their lineup, and the trade rumors are running rampant.

Throughout the NHL offseason, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was on the verge of desperation while trying to find a middle-six center.

While he ultimately got one in Nicolas Roy, there were better players available. Guys who could even play on the second line, or god forbid, the first line if Auston Matthews were to get injured.

Unfortunately, the market was thin, and with the Leafs lacking assets, there wasn’t an opportunity to make a huge swing. Instead, it became clear that Treliving would have to wait for the regular season to start.

Bo Horvat and the Toronto Maple Leafs

In a new report from Chris Johnston, it is being said that players like Pavel Zacha, and even Bo Horvat could become available during the midst of the season.

In fact, Johnston linked Horvat to the Toronto Maple Leafs, as the center fits a very specific need that the Leafs lack. He is a center who can get you 60 points per season. Not to mention, in his limited playoff experience, he has been an absolute beast.

Maybe some veteran forwards become available whether it’s…Pavel Zacha in Boston or Bo Horvat with the Islanders; players that could satisfy the needs in places like Montreal, Vancouver, maybe even Toronto

Horvat currently plays for the New York Islanders, where he is entering the third year of his eight-year, $68 million deal, which pays him $8.5 million per season.

This is a significant cap hit and it would cost the Toronto Maple Leafs a whole lot of money and assets to make it happen. Cap space would need to be cleared immediately.

Ultimately, this is a wait-and-see move. This is not something that is imminent. Instead, it is a slight possibility that some analysts are getting ahead of themselves.

If anything, this could be a great deadline move that would push the Toronto Maple Leafs into Stanley Cup contender territory.