The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up to restart their season with a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, marking a pivotal moment as the NHL roster freeze has lifted. The Leafs' front office faces a crucial decision: push for the playoffs or become sellers at the trade deadline.
While many fans and analysts suggest that Toronto should focus on next season, the team is opting for a bit more evaluation. According to insider Nick Kypreos, the Leafs will use their upcoming games against the Lightning, Panthers, and Senators to decide their course of action.
The Leafs' indecision is causing a stir among fans. Sitting six points shy of a playoff spot, Toronto is in a tight race with several teams.
The question remains: Are they truly ready to compete with the likes of the Senators, Blue Jackets, Bruins, Sabres, or Panthers? The on-ice performance so far doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Even if the Leafs manage to improve in these three games, the odds suggest a tough first-round playoff exit against powerhouses like the Lightning or Hurricanes. The likelihood of a Stanley Cup run seems slim, prompting questions about why the team hesitates to make trades that could bolster their future.
Players like Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton, pending free agents, could fetch returns that brighten Toronto’s prospects. Adding potential trades involving Simon Benoit, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Brandon Carlo, or Nick Robertson might help the Leafs recover lost assets.
It seems clear that making strategic trades now could be the most sensible path forward, regardless of the outcomes of these next few games.