Maple Leafs have goalie concerns, but trade deadline options are shaky

The 2022 NHL Trade Deadline serves as one of those prime times for teams (and especially fans) to dream big. Rebuilders want those franchise-turning picks and prospects. Contenders yearn for the last pieces of that Stanley Cup puzzle.

Yet, the Maple Leafs’ trade deadline questions are even more puzzling than usual.

The Maple Leafs carry the weight of past failures — in the playoffs, in bad trade deadline investments such as Nick Foligno — with overwhelming pressure to break through. They also have a glaring flaw in net.

In a dream world, the Maple Leafs could make an obvious trade deadline upgrade over goalies Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek. In reality, those options are limited, and the best course might be hoping that Campbell and/or Mrazek can figure it out.

Let’s explore the Maple Leafs’ possible trade deadline paths regarding goaltending. As a reminder, the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline is set for March 21.

Call it a potential excuse or not, but there’s a scary factor hanging over all of this. The Maple Leafs could do everything right, and still fall to a great team without winning a playoff series.

And let’s be clear, the Maple Leafs have been one of the best teams in the NHL this season.

They’re top 10 in even-strength volume stats like scoring chances, and top five in areas like expected goals and high-danger chances. Their special teams shine, as well.

Evolving Hockey’s RAPM team stats provide a snapshot of a well-rounded team:

Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs are likely to draw another Atlantic power like the Panthers or Lightning. Both of those teams boast credible Stanley cup aspirations, joining the Maple Leafs in major stat categories.

Heck, even the Boston Bruins linger as a real threat with their elite top line