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Toronto mock trade parts ways with bottom 6 forward | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 13:45 GMT by Sporting News
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Toronto Maple Leafs Part Ways With Bottom‑Six Forward David Fennell in a Trade That Boosts Depth and Cap Flexibility

In a move that was widely described as a “mock‑trade” by the Leafs’ front office, the Toronto Maple Leafs officially traded depth forward David Fennell to the Vegas Golden Knights on March 5, 2024. In exchange, the Leafs received a 2024 third‑round draft pick and a 2025 seventh‑round pick, giving Toronto both immediate and future assets while clearing a roster spot and a modest amount of cap space.

Why the Move Made Sense

David Fennell, a 26‑year‑old winger known for his gritty play, had appeared in 14 games for the Leafs this season, recording five points (three goals, two assists) and averaging 13 minutes of ice time per contest. While the veteran was a reliable bottom‑six forward, the Leafs’ depth chart had already been crowded with players such as Alex Kessel, James Paddock, and Zach Sullivan, all of whom were vying for the same minutes.

From a cap perspective, Fennell’s contract carried a $1.9 million salary, a figure that the Leafs could easily reallocate toward other players or free agents. By parting with him, Toronto freed up space that could be used to chase a top‑line forward in free agency or secure a key mid‑level player at the trade deadline.

“David has been an important piece of our bottom line, but the timing was perfect to move him for future assets that can help us fill the gaps we still have on our roster,” said Leafs general manager Brad Treliving in a brief statement after the trade. “We’re always looking to balance talent and depth while staying within our cap hit.”

The Trade in Detail

The pick swap was straightforward: Toronto sent Fennell and two picks to Vegas and received a mid‑round selection in the upcoming draft, plus a later pick to help build for the long haul. The deal was finalized with no additional conditional elements, making it a clean exchange.

While the trade may appear modest at first glance, it highlights the Leafs’ strategy of using depth players as trade chips to acquire draft capital—a practice that has been repeated in previous years with players like Alex Wynne and James Paddock.

Impact on the Maple Leafs’ Roster

With Fennell gone, the Leafs now have a clearer path for their bottom‑six forwards to receive more ice time. Players like Zach Sullivan and Alex Kessel have seen their minutes increase in the last month, and the coaching staff reportedly plans to keep their offensive lines more flexible during the stretch run.

“The depth forward room has always been a priority for us,” said head coach Sheldon Keefe. “By trading a player who was already in a bottom‑six role, we’re allowing our young forwards to get more time on the ice and proving that we’re serious about maximizing our talent.”

The move also keeps the Leafs’ cap room open for a potential trade of their top line or a free‑agent signing. In the near term, the team is focusing on improving their power‑play efficiency and tightening their defensive structure, areas that could benefit from additional depth.

Looking Ahead for David Fennell

Fennell’s new home in Las Vegas comes with an opportunity for a fresh start. In his two seasons with the Golden Knights (2021‑22 and 2022‑23), he recorded 20 goals and 30 assists over 115 games, earning a reputation as a reliable secondary scorer. “We’re excited to welcome David to our organization,” said Vegas general manager Mark Pell. “His work ethic and experience will be valuable on our roster as we push toward a playoff berth.”

For the Leafs, the trade signals a willingness to make “tactical adjustments” in order to remain competitive. The 2024 third‑round pick, which is projected to fall around the 70‑90th overall range, could become a promising young forward or defenseman in the next draft cycle, providing Toronto with a low‑risk, high‑reward option.

Final Thoughts

While the trade may not have made headlines as an blockbuster move, it embodies the type of calculated decisions the Toronto Maple Leafs have been making under Brad Treliving’s leadership. By parting with a bottom‑six forward and acquiring draft capital, the Leafs are simultaneously tightening their roster, easing cap constraints, and positioning themselves for long‑term success.

For fans and analysts alike, the trade is a reminder that even the most routine transactions can have ripple effects that shape a franchise’s future. Whether the third‑round pick turns into a star or the seventh‑round selection develops into a role player, the Leafs have turned a single roster move into a strategic asset that could pay dividends down the line.