Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Deadline Outlook: Who Stays, Who Goes, and What Comes Next
With the Olympic break giving NHL front offices a moment to breathe, the Toronto Maple Leafs are stepping into a pivotal stretch. The trade deadline looms, and Toronto has some tough decisions to make. Whether it’s clearing contracts, stockpiling future assets, or deciding if there’s still a shot at a playoff push, the Leafs are officially open for business.
They’ve got flexibility-three salary retention slots and potential cap space via LTIR if health assessments break their way. But more than anything, they need clarity.
Who’s part of the long-term vision? Who’s a trade chip?
And how can they balance the future with the present?
Let’s break down where things stand with the Leafs’ forward group.
🔒 Staying Put: Core Pieces and Young Talent
Matthew Knies
Let’s be real-trading Matthew Knies would be like tossing a winning lottery ticket.
He’s a rare mix of size, skill, and smarts, and he’s signed long-term on a deal that’s only going to look better as the cap rises. Unless someone offers a franchise-altering return, Knies isn’t going anywhere.
He’s as close to untouchable as it gets in Toronto.
Auston Matthews
Matthews is the engine of this team.
Even when he’s not lighting it up, he’s still better than most centers in the league. Unless the Leafs are prepping for a full teardown-which they’re not-Matthews isn’t being moved.
He’s the type of player you build around, not trade away.
William Nylander
Fresh off a long-term extension, Nylander is locked in and thriving.
He’s Toronto’s best puck-mover up front and has the kind of calm, composed demeanor that serves him well in the Toronto pressure cooker. Like Matthews, he’s not a trade deadline candidate-unless the team’s heading for a full rebuild, which isn’t on the table.
John Tavares
Tavares has earned the right to call his shot.
If he ever decides he wants a change of scenery or one last shot at a Cup elsewhere, the Leafs would owe it to him to listen. But that’s not the current vibe.
He’s staying put, and the Leafs aren’t about to rock that boat.
Easton Cowan
Cowan isn’t a top-line lock just yet, but he’s trending in the right direction.
He’s young, cost-controlled, and brings energy and upside to the middle six. Unless someone comes calling with a blockbuster offer involving a player like Robert Thomas or Elias Pettersson, Cowan stays in the fold.
👂 Listen on These Guys: Depth Options with Value
Nicolas Roy
Roy hasn’t quite found his groove in Toronto, but he’s a player who could benefit from a coaching change.
If the Leafs believe he can still be their 3C of the future, there’s reason to hold on. But if a contender comes calling with a strong offer, Toronto has to consider it.
Steven Lorentz
A steady, reliable fourth-liner.
He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done. Unless a team overpays for depth, the Leafs are better off keeping him in the mix.
Dakota Joshua
Joshua’s contract is a bit rich for a fourth-liner, but he brings physicality and a bit of edge.
There’s no urgency to move him, but if a team wants to take a flyer, the Leafs wouldn’t say no. He’s the kind of player you hope can find another gear-or at least hold down a bottom-six role without hurting you.
📦 Sell: Maximize Value While You Can
Bobby McMann
McMann is having a career year at the perfect time.
He’s cheap, productive, and set to hit free agency. That’s a classic sell-high scenario.
And who’s to say he can’t circle back to Toronto on July 1 if the fit is still right?
Scott Laughton
Laughton fits the same mold as McMann-pending UFA, valuable depth, and possibly open to a return. Moving him now doesn’t close the door on a future reunion, and it helps Toronto recoup some assets.
Max Domi
This might be the best time to move Domi.
He’s playing well, he’s affordable, and he brings a bit of bite that contenders love in the playoffs. But with a coaching change likely on the horizon, the Leafs may not want to spend another year trying to find the right fit for him.
If someone’s willing to pay for a top-six forward, Toronto should be listening.
Matias Maccelli
If Maccelli isn’t moved, it’s not a disaster.
But with RFA status and plenty of years ahead, he’s a valuable trade chip-especially if the Leafs retain salary. There’s a good chance they can get back what they gave up to acquire him.
Nick Robertson
Robertson’s in a similar spot to Maccelli: young, affordable, and still developing.
But that also makes him attractive to teams looking for upside. If the return is right, it’s worth exploring.
Calle Jarnkrok
If it’s 10 minutes before the deadline and the Leafs still have a salary retention slot open, Jarnkrok could fetch a late-round pick from a team looking for veteran depth.
If not, he’s still a capable body to finish out the season in Toronto. No harm either way.
🧊 The Rest: Marginal Moves and Prospect Protection
Jacob Quillan might get a look after the deadline, but the Leafs aren’t likely to move him. As for the rest of the Marlies’ forward group, there might be a little roster shuffling, but nothing that’s going to shake the foundation.
Prospects like Miroslav Holinka and Tinus Luc Koblar? Not going anywhere. Those names are part of the long-term plan, and the Leafs won’t be dealing them just to make a short-term splash.
Final Word
The Leafs aren’t in a full rebuild. They’re not in a full send-it Cup run either.
They’re somewhere in between-trying to retool on the fly while keeping their core intact. That means being smart, flexible, and opportunistic at the deadline.
With salary retention slots, potential LTIR space, and a mix of valuable trade chips and cornerstone players, Toronto has options. Now it’s about execution.
The clock’s ticking. Let’s see how they play it.