As the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference starts to take shape, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a precarious position. With their grip on a postseason spot loosening, the conversation around the team is shifting from “buyers or sellers?”
to “how much are they willing to sell?” And if they do decide to lean into seller mode ahead of the trade deadline, GM Brad Treliving has some intriguing pieces that could draw real interest across the league.
Let’s start with the most obvious names on the block. According to the latest NHL Trade Board, Bobby McMann headlines the list of Maple Leafs most likely to be moved - and for good reason.
The 29-year-old winger is having a breakout season, with 18 goals and 31 points through 55 games. He’s already on pace to shatter last year’s career highs, and he’s doing it while holding down a top-six role in Toronto’s lineup.
McMann’s combination of size, speed, and tenacity makes him a rare commodity - and one that could command a serious return. Think second-round pick at minimum, with a first-rounder not out of the question, especially for a contender looking to add depth scoring and physicality for a playoff push.
Sure, there’s always hesitation when it comes to trading a player who’s finally coming into his own, but this might be the peak of McMann’s trade value. In a market where power forwards are always in demand, the Leafs might not get a better opportunity to cash in.
Then there’s Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo - two players who arrived in Toronto at last year’s deadline and now find themselves back in the rumor mill. Laughton has quickly become a fan favorite for his energy, leadership, and gritty two-way play.
He’s the kind of player who shows up in the postseason and makes a difference in the margins. With his contract set to expire at season’s end, he could be a valuable rental for a team needing a boost in their bottom six - and he’d retain the flexibility to choose his next destination come summer.
Carlo’s situation is a bit more complicated. The towering defenseman hasn’t lived up to expectations in Toronto, and the trade that brought him in - which cost the Leafs a top-five protected first-round pick and promising prospect Fraser Minten - is starting to draw some criticism.
Carlo still has value, though. At 29, he’s not far removed from being a dependable shutdown presence, and his cap hit is manageable.
He may not fetch the same return Toronto gave up to get him, but if Treliving can claw back a mid-round pick or more, it could help soften the blow.
Simon Benoit rounds out the list of Toronto’s most obvious trade chips. The 27-year-old blueliner isn’t flashy, but his low cap hit and solid physical game make him a candidate to be moved for a mid-round pick - the kind of depth add that playoff teams love to stash for a long spring.
Beyond the top tier, there are a few names worth monitoring. In the “keep an eye on” category, Oliver Ekman-Larsson stands out.
The veteran defenseman is playing strong hockey and providing good value, but unless the Leafs are ready to tear things down completely, it’s hard to see him being moved. If a rebuild is on the table, though, his name could surface quickly.
Nick Robertson and Max Domi also land in that watchlist tier. Robertson’s offensive upside is still tantalizing, even if he hasn’t quite found consistent footing in the NHL yet.
Domi, meanwhile, brings versatility and playoff experience - two traits that could be attractive to a contender looking to bolster its middle six. Calle Järnkrok and Anthony Stolarz round out this group, though both come with caveats.
Järnkrok’s utility makes him a possible trade chip, while Stolarz, despite a down season, could be on the move simply because Toronto’s goalie depth is starting to get crowded.
Then there’s the “blockbuster potential” category - and that’s where things get really interesting. Morgan Rielly is the big name here.
The longtime Leaf is still playing at a high level and would command a massive return if made available. But with term left on his deal and a clear desire to stay in Toronto, this feels like a conversation better suited for the offseason.
Still, if Treliving is looking to shake things up in a major way, Rielly’s name is one to remember.
Finally, there’s Troy Stecher, a waiver pickup who lands in the “theoretical trade chips” tier. He’s not expected to move the needle much, but in a deadline that often sees depth defensemen swapped for late-round picks, he could be part of the shuffle.
The Maple Leafs aren’t tipping their hand just yet, but the writing’s on the wall. If the standings continue to slide, expect the phones in Toronto to start ringing - and don’t be surprised if Treliving answers with a willingness to deal.
The Leafs have assets, and with the right moves, they could start retooling on the fly. The question now is whether they’ll pull the trigger - and how bold they’re willing to be.