On Thursday, July 18, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced the hiring of Mark Leach as the team’s new Director of Amateur Scouting. Leach succeeded Wes Clark, who had held the role for six seasons until joining the Pittsburgh Penguins as Vice President of Player Personnel under previous Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas. Leach brings a plethora of experience to the Maple Leafs, having spent the previous 11 seasons with the Dallas Stars. In particular, his experience could be valuable in a future trade scenario.
We hired Mark Leach as the team’s Director of Amateur Scouting.
We’ve hired Mark Leach as the team’s Director of Amateur Scouting
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 18, 2024
During his time in Dallas, he collaborated closely with Joe McDonnell, the Director of Amateur Scouting, and Jim Nill, the General Manager, directing the amateur scouting program. Notably, Leach was a member of the Dallas scouting staff that selected numerous outstanding players late in the NHL Entry Draft. These are Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven, Thomas Harley, and Roope Hintz. He helped draft Jason Robertson, which is more relevant to my topic.
Given Leach’s extensive knowledge of the Stars’ system and players, his arrival in Toronto might lead to some intriguing trade opportunities, notably regarding Nick Robertson.
Why Nick Robertson’s Trade to Dallas Makes Sense
Robertson has experienced numerous injuries and developmental setbacks. He’s so fed up with being shuffled up and down the Maple Leafs organization that he’s requested a trade to—well, someplace else.
Nick Robertson Jason Robertson Robertson feels he could benefit from a change of location. Given his treatment by the Maple Leafs, it’s understandable from his standpoint. With his brother Jason thriving in Dallas, a trade may bring the siblings together and give Nick a new start. While I’d want to see Nick stay in Toronto, having Leach on board in scouting may provide the team with a win-win situation that makes everyone happy.
Moving Nick to Dallas with his brother Jason would be beneficial for a variety of reasons, including bringing the brothers together and boosting Nick’s morale.
Leach’s significant expertise and knowledge of Dallas’ prospects enable him to identify players within the Stars’ organization that may be available for trade. This knowledge may help the Maple Leafs secure valuable young talent in return for Robertson. It would add a solid prospect or two to the squad while also addressing the organization’s salary-cap situation.
Similarly, Robertson has shown flashes of his potential but has struggled with injuries and defensive consistency. A new setting, particularly one in which he can rely on his brother, could provide him with the necessary jumpstart to attain his full potential.
Finally, the Stars might benefit from acquiring a promising young forward like Nick to improve their attacking depth. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs may receive prospects or draft picks to strengthen their pipeline. This would allow the team to handle both immediate and future demands.
A General but Possible Stars/Maple Leafs Trade Scenario
While I admit I’m not familiar with the Stars’ prospect pool, I know Leach is. However, here’s a possible trade scenario that could benefit both teams:
The Maple Leafs would receive a pair of prospects in this trade, strengthening their draft picks and providing additional opportunity to improve their roster in future drafts. In exchange, the Stars would obtain Nick Robertson, a young, skilled forward noted for his unwavering work ethic and desire to grow. His scoring ability can change games, and combining him with his brother Jason might give the Stars another powerful offensive weapon. There’s every reason to assume Nick would succeed in Dallas.
Nick Robertson Maple Leafs
This exchange would be beneficial to all parties involved. Nick would get a fresh start in a positive environment, the Maple Leafs would gain key assets for the future, and the Stars would add another great forward to their roster.
Leach could make this trade happen, both for the Maple Leafs and the Stars.
As the new Director of Amateur Scouting, Leach has the ability to make such movements. He might help restructure the Maple Leafs’ roster and offer Nick Robertson exactly what he wants. At that moment, he is responsible for making his NHL career a success.
Given his history and ties, a trade involving Robertson to the Stars is an option to examine.
