Leafs Fall Again, But Signs of Life Emerge Amid Trade Watch
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still searching for answers-and maybe soon, reinforcements.
After another frustrating loss, this time a 5-2 defeat to the Seattle Kraken, the Leafs find themselves in a familiar spot: under pressure, underwhelming, and under the microscope. But while the scoreboard tells one story, the game itself hinted at something a little more encouraging.
Let’s start with the reality: Seattle’s first shot on goal found the back of the net. Then, in a blink, a tie game turned into a 3-1 deficit.
That kind of swing has been all too common for Toronto lately. But here’s the thing-this wasn’t one of those flat, lifeless losses.
The Leafs actually showed some push.
They controlled the puck for stretches, generated quality looks, and even clawed back to 3-2 with a power-play goal. It wasn’t dominant, but it was a step forward from the lethargy that’s plagued their recent homestand. Still, when Shane Wright beat Anthony Stolarz clean, it was another reminder of the impact shaky goaltending can have on a team already skating on thin ice.
That’s the thing about this stretch of the season. When you’ve dropped points early and often, every game starts to feel like a must-win.
And even when you play better-as the Leafs arguably did here-it doesn’t always translate to the result you need. Seattle added an empty-netter to pad the final score, but the takeaway remains: effort was there, execution just wasn’t enough.
Treliving Stays Put as Trade Watch Heats Up
Behind the scenes, GM Brad Treliving stayed in Toronto this week rather than traveling with the team-an indication that decisions are looming. According to Darren Dreger on Insider Trading, the Leafs aren’t ready to throw in the towel on the season just yet. But with the front office holding internal meetings and the trade market beginning to stir, it’s clear that the organization is weighing its options.
Expect the rumor mill to heat up. The Leafs are in that uncomfortable middle ground-too talented to rebuild, but not performing like a true contender.
That’s the kind of situation that forces a GM’s hand. Whether it’s a shakeup in the locker room or help in net, something feels like it’s coming.
Nylander Skating Again, Return Possible This Weekend
There is some good news on the horizon. William Nylander, who’s been sidelined, is back on the ice with the team and could return as early as this weekend. His presence could provide a much-needed boost to a lineup that’s lacked consistent scoring beyond the top few names.
Olympic Prep and Goalie Watch
Elsewhere in the hockey world, Canada’s women’s team is en route to Milan, where Olympic preparations are in full swing. The main arena is progressing well, with the ice redone and interior work nearly finished.
Most of the women’s games will be played at a secondary venue, which recently hosted a test event and passed with flying colors. It’s a smaller, temporary setup-but it works, and that’s what matters.
In NHL action, a wild scene unfolded in Detroit involving the Capitals’ goaltending carousel. Logan Thompson, who took a shot off the mask in his last start, wasn’t dressed.
Charlie Lindgren finished the game, even through injury, and somehow gutted out a shootout win after Dylan Larkin rang one off the crossbar. Lindgren had to be helped off by teammates afterward, but Thompson is reportedly day-to-day and expected to be fine for Olympic duty.
That’s big for Canada-he’s likely their top option in net.
PWHL Pride on Display
In the PWHL, Marie-Philip Poulin made headlines by donning a “Great Canadian Jersey” as part of a national pride initiative before the Olympic break. The Victoire forward donated the jersey for the project, showing once again why she’s not just a leader on the ice, but off it as well.
Where Do the Leafs Go From Here?
Toronto’s situation remains murky. They’re not out of the race, but they’re not dictating the pace either.
The goaltending has been inconsistent, the defense porous at times, and the margin for error razor-thin. But they’re still fighting.
And if Nylander returns soon, and if Treliving can find the right piece-or pieces-on the trade market, this story could still turn.
The Leafs didn’t win last night. But they looked more like the team they’re supposed to be. And at this point in the season, that’s something to build on.