NHL Trade Rumors: Why Bobby Ryan to the Toronto Maple Leafs Makes Sense

Here we go again.

More Anaheim-Toronto trade rumors.

I know, they're everywhere.

Apparently we're back to Bobby Ryan again, instead of Ryan Getzlaf.

According to the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch, Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has promised to make a move, and wants to get it done early.

Garrioch, however, says Burke's top target is young winger Bobby Ryan and not, in fact, Ducks star center Ryan Getzlaf.

To some, this may seem odd, seeing as the Leafs are still in dire need of a top-tier center.

The problem with that train of thought is that top-tier centers demand an extremely high asking price and none of the top centers who seem to be available have favorable contracts (some contracts expire soon, while others are long-term, but take a toll on the salary cap).

Here are a few reasons Brian Burke is better off going after Bobby Ryan instead of Ryan Getzlaf.

Fits the Team's Long-Term Plans

Let's face it, even if the Leafs go out and acquire a big-name center like Ryan Getzlaf or Eric Staal, they still aren't likely to go very far playoff-wise come April.

At the age of 24, Bobby Ryan would provide an instant boost to the Leafs offensively, yet is still young and locked up through the end of the 2014-2015 season at a manageable $5.1 million cap hit.

It's tough to find another player who is as young, talented and has such a convenient contract.

Depth Scoring

At this point of the season, it seems like the top line of Joffrey Lupul, Phil Kessel and whoever their center may be any given night is going to continue scoring no matter what.

While this doesn't mean the Leafs should give up looking for a premier center, it does mean the Leafs have the flexibility to go out and find a winger to put on the second line with Mikhail Grabovski to ensure they have another line producing consistent offense.

Picking up Bobby Ryan gives you another scorer, as well as physical presence on the second line.

Price

While there is no such thing as "buying low" with players like Bobby Ryan, one must also consider the fact that he may be easier for Toronto to acquire than an Eric Staal or Ryan Getzlaf.

Guys like Staal and Getzlaf are more proven and have both led their respective teams to Stanley Cups, and play down the middle.

If Bobby Ryan's asking price would be Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and a first-round draft choice, then it is safe to assume guys like Staal and Getzlaf would easily fetch another prospect or pick.

Conclusion

Right now, it is up to Brian Burke to pull the trigger on the best deal available to improve this hockey club.

While picking up a center will be necessary, doing so in the offseason is still an option, considering it isn't the difference between a winning or losing the Stanley Cup.

Burke has always said he wants to do this rebuild the right way.

Acquiring a younger player, who consistently puts up 30 goals per season, and who isn't due for a pay raise for many years to come is the smart move.

The last point I'd like to make regarding Ryan is this: Last time the Maple Leafs traded for an American goal scoring winger born in 1987, things turned out fairly well.

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