As the NHL offseason progresses, the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a top-six forward to bolster their offensive capabilities. Following the trade of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Leafs have a significant void to fill on their top lines. While the team has added depth pieces such as Nic Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli, none of these players possess the elite offensive production that Marner provided.

General Manager Brad Treliving is reportedly exploring the trade market to acquire a winger capable of scoring 30 or more goals. Several names have been linked to the Maple Leafs, including Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both Rust and Rakell are coming off strong seasons, with Rakell scoring 35 goals and Rust netting 31. Their potential availability stems from the Penguins' possible rebuild, making them logical trade partners for Toronto.

Bryan Rust, with his versatility and experience, could be a particularly good fit for the Leafs. He can play in various roles and provide Head Coach Craig Berube with different options when deploying the forward lines. Rickard Rakell, known for his scoring touch and physical play, would also be a valuable addition to Toronto's top six.

However, acquiring either player would require the Maple Leafs to manage their salary cap effectively. The team may need to shed salary by trading away players like Calle Jarnkrok or David Kampf to make the money work. Jarnkrok, in particular, has been mentioned as a potential trade piece. Despite a career high in goals (20) and points (39) in his first year with Toronto, his production has since declined because of injuries.

Other potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs include Tyler Bertuzzi of the Chicago Blackhawks and Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars. Bertuzzi, who had a previous stint with the Leafs, could provide a net-front presence on the second line. Robertson is an elite goal scorer who could be a fantastic replacement for Marner, but acquiring him would require a significant financial commitment.

In addition to external options, the Maple Leafs are also evaluating their internal prospects. Easton Cowan, the team's first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is a strong candidate to make the roster. Cowan is known for his offensive capabilities and dynamic play, but he will need to prove his defensive abilities and physicality to secure a spot on the team.

The Maple Leafs' defense is likely to remain largely unchanged from last season, with Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev forming a dependable shutdown pairing. However, the team could benefit from adding a puck-moving defenseman to improve their breakouts and overall mobility.

As the offseason progresses, the Maple Leafs will continue to explore all options to improve their roster and address their need for a top-six winger. Whether they acquire a proven scorer through trade or rely on internal prospects, the team is determined to build a competitive team that can contend for the Stanley Cup.