The Toronto Maple Leafs are staring down a hard truth as the 2025-26 season hits its back half: the playoffs are slipping further out of reach. What once looked like a promising turnaround-highlighted by a 9-1-3 surge from late December into early January-now feels like a distant memory.
A four-game skid, capped off by a tough loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, has the Leafs five points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. And with division rivals like the Panthers, Sabres, and Bruins heating up, the margin for error is razor-thin.
If this slump doesn't break soon, Toronto may have no choice but to pivot at the trade deadline. That means making tough decisions-possibly moving on from key contributors in order to retool for the future. Here are three names that could be on the block if the Leafs shift into seller mode.
Anthony Stolarz (or One of the Goalies)
Toronto’s goaltending depth is the kind of luxury most NHL teams can only dream about. Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby have both cracked the top 10 in save percentage this season, and Anthony Stolarz-despite a rocky start-brings experience and pedigree as one of last season’s top netminders and a Stanley Cup winner.
But carrying three capable goalies isn’t sustainable, especially when minutes are hard to come by. If the Leafs decide to make a move in the crease, Stolarz could be the odd man out-not because of a lack of ability, but because of the opportunity he could provide in return.
There’s always demand for quality goaltending at the deadline. Whether it’s a contender looking for insurance or a team in need of a reliable 1B, Stolarz’s track record and playoff experience could fetch a solid return. For the Leafs, that could mean future assets or a piece to help balance the roster elsewhere.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson
At 34 years old, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is turning back the clock. The veteran blueliner has quietly been one of Toronto’s steadiest performers this season, putting up 31 points in 52 games-a pace that would give him his second-best offensive season of his career.
He’s playing smart, efficient hockey, and with two more years left on his deal at a manageable $3.5 million AAV, he’s not just a rental-he’s a potential difference-maker for a contender looking to shore up their blue line.
It’s not often you see a team move one of its most reliable players midseason, but if Toronto leans into a retool, Ekman-Larsson’s value may never be higher. He’s proving he can still log big minutes, contribute offensively, and bring veteran leadership to a playoff run. That’s a package that could draw serious interest from teams with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Bobby McMann
This one would sting. Bobby McMann has become a fan favorite in Toronto, and for good reason.
The 29-year-old winger is in the middle of a breakout campaign, on pace for 25 goals and 42 points-both career highs. He plays with energy, grit, and a scoring touch that’s tough to find in a middle-six role.
But here’s the catch: McMann is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. And with his value peaking, Toronto has to seriously consider cashing in.
He checks every box for a deadline trade chip. Expiring contract?
Check. Career year?
Check. Affordable cap hit?
Check. For a contending team looking to add depth scoring, McMann could be a sneaky-good pickup-one of those under-the-radar moves that pays big dividends in the playoffs.
For the Leafs, moving him would be about maximizing value. It’s a tough call, especially given what he’s meant to the team, but if the organization shifts its focus to the future, this is the kind of move that could help set the table for next season and beyond.
There’s still time for Toronto to right the ship, but the clock is ticking. If the slide continues, expect the front office to make some hard choices. The Leafs came into this season with high hopes, but if the playoffs fall out of reach, it may be time to start thinking about what comes next-and who will be part of that picture.