THE EMERGENCE OF ALEX GALCHENYUK AS A TOP SIX WINGER IN TORONTO COULD CHANGE DUBAS' DEADLINE PLANS

The Toronto Maple Leafs had long been rumoured to be in the market for a top six forward at this year's trade deadline, but due to the play of February acquisition Alex Galchenyuk, the once glaring need no longer carries such a high level of importance.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday that Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has been pleasantly surprised by the play of the 27-year-old journeyman forward, decreasing the urgent need for another top six winger.

"I think the emergence of Galchenyuk playing with John and William, both in terms of the fact he's produced a little bit but in terms of how hard he's playing and the effectiveness that he's brought to the group, I think certainly reduces the urgency," Dubas said, per LeBrun.

"But with all that said, if we can do something that we think is going to be a good fit in the locker room and on the ice, I think we would still very openly explore that," Dubas continued.

The emergence of Galchenyuk as an effective top six option could open up more possibilities for the Leafs at next week's trade deadline, such as a third line center, a quality defenseman or perhaps even added goaltending depth.

The Leafs have been rumoured to be in on winger Kyle Palmieri from the New Jersey Devils, and it's no secret that the Leafs could be a potential fit for Taylor Hall, who also owns a home in Toronto. Some other names that the Leafs are believed to have inquired about are Nashville Predators forward Mikael Granlund and Anaheim Ducks forward Rickard Rakell.

It never hurts to have options, and with Galchenyuk coming into the picture in Toronto's top six and exceeding all expectations on a line with William Nylander and John Tavares, it gives Dubas and company more flexibility and a better opportunity to add the right piece(s) at the deadline.

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