As the NHL heads into its Olympic break, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a crossroads - and the trade chatter is starting to reflect that. With the deadline looming and the standings tightening, the Leafs have some tough decisions to make. According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, three Toronto players - a goaltender, a forward, and a defenseman - have emerged as potential trade chips, depending on how the team performs once play resumes.
Let’s start with the context: the Leafs recently endured a six-game losing streak, including a five-game winless homestand. That skid dropped them ten points back in the playoff race - a troubling gap for a team with postseason expectations.
While they did manage to string together three straight wins on a West Coast swing to close out their pre-Olympic schedule, the damage may already be done. General manager Brad Treliving now faces a pivotal choice: double down and hope for a second-half surge, or start selling off assets and look ahead to next season.
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz: A Trade Chip with Conditions
First up on Kypreos’ trade board is goaltender Anthony Stolarz. The veteran netminder has been serviceable but hasn’t exactly forced the Leafs' hand with his play. Kypreos noted that while Toronto has depth at the position, Stolarz hasn’t shown enough consistency to command a big return - at least not yet.
That said, there’s still time to shift the narrative. Stolarz was sharp in his final outing before the break, stopping 34 of 36 shots in a 5-2 win.
If he can keep that momentum going once the schedule resumes, his value could climb. And if a team in need of goaltending depth comes calling, the Leafs might be able to turn a solid performance stretch into a meaningful return.
Bobby McMann: The Underrated Asset Drawing League-Wide Interest
Next on the list is winger Bobby McMann, a name that’s been gaining traction in trade circles. He’s in the midst of a career-best season and carries a very manageable $1.35 million cap hit. With free agency looming this summer, McMann is exactly the kind of player contending teams love: affordable, productive, and plug-and-play ready.
Kypreos pointed to teams like Colorado, Florida, Ottawa, and Anaheim as potential suitors - all clubs with playoff aspirations and room to add a versatile forward. Given his current form and contract, McMann could fetch a solid return, possibly a second-round pick and a prospect. For a Leafs team that might need to restock the cupboard, that’s a tempting proposition.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Not on the Block - Yet
While only Stolarz and McMann appeared on Kypreos’ official trade board, he also flagged defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson as a name to monitor once the Olympic trade freeze lifts on February 23. Ekman-Larsson has arguably been Toronto’s most dependable blueliner this season, and that’s exactly why he hasn’t been made available - yet.
But that could change if the Leafs stumble out of the break, especially with critical games against division rivals Florida and Ottawa on the horizon. If the playoff picture darkens further, Ekman-Larsson’s name could surface in trade talks. He’d be one of the more valuable defensemen on the market, and moving him would signal a clear pivot toward a longer-term retool.
Crunch Time Is Coming
With the trade deadline set for March 6, the next few weeks will be crucial. Toronto’s performance after the Olympic break will likely dictate the front office’s approach.
If they come out strong and close the gap, Treliving may hold onto his assets and push for a playoff run. But if the struggles continue, expect the Leafs to shift gears and start fielding serious offers for players like Stolarz, McMann, and potentially even Ekman-Larsson.
The clock is ticking, and the Leafs are officially on the watch list.