Maple Leafs Facing Harsh Reality at Deadline: Time to Sell Smart and Rebuild Fast
The Toronto Maple Leafs came into the 2025-26 season with expectations as high as ever, fresh off a 52-win campaign that saw them top their division with 108 points. But the harsh truth is this: the team hasn’t lived up to the billing.
With the Olympic break in full swing and the March 6 trade deadline looming just weeks away, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Toronto’s nine-season playoff streak is on life support. If the front office wants to avoid a prolonged slide, now’s the time to pivot - and that means selling.
Let’s break down what a smart, forward-thinking trade deadline could look like for the Leafs, starting with their most valuable assets.
Bobby McMann: A Hot Commodity in a Thin Market
If there’s one player Toronto should be actively shopping, it’s Bobby McMann. The 27-year-old winger has emerged as one of the more intriguing trade chips on the roster. With 19 goals and 32 points in 56 games - largely skating alongside Auston Matthews and Max Domi - McMann has shown he can produce in a top-six role.
But it’s not just the scoring that makes him valuable. At 6’2” and with 126 hits already this season, McMann brings a rare blend of size, speed, and physicality that playoff teams covet. Add in the fact that Toronto can retain 50% of his modest $1.35 million cap hit, and you’ve got a player who fits into just about any contender’s bottom six or even middle six.
Looking at trade comps, the Kiefer Sherwood deal between Vancouver and San Jose stands out. Sherwood, with similar production and a slightly higher cap hit, fetched two second-round picks and a prospect.
That sets the bar. With teams like the Oilers, Avalanche, Golden Knights, Lightning, and Kraken all holding multiple second-rounders over the next two drafts, there’s a real opportunity here for Toronto to cash in.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Sell High While the Stock’s Up
Oliver Ekman-Larsson is having a bounce-back year, and the timing couldn’t be better. The veteran blueliner has tallied eight goals and 34 points through 57 games, providing stability and offense from the back end. Now, with the 2026 Winter Olympics giving him a chance to further boost his stock while representing Sweden, the Leafs have a window to sell high.
OEL brings more than just production - he brings experience, leadership, and a Stanley Cup pedigree. With two more years left on his deal at a team-friendly $3.5 million cap hit, he’s not just a rental. And while his 16-team no-trade clause adds a wrinkle, there’s enough flexibility to make a move work.
A fair comp might be Brandon Carlo, whom the Leafs acquired last year with two years left on his deal. Carlo was younger, sure, but Ekman-Larsson has the edge in offensive upside and playoff experience. If a team is willing to part with a first-round pick - or a package close to it - that’s a deal Toronto should jump on.
Scott Laughton: Time to Move On
Scott Laughton has become a fan favorite in Toronto, and it’s easy to see why. He plays with grit, kills penalties, and brings energy every night. But the reality is, the Leafs can’t afford to get sentimental at this deadline.
Laughton, acquired last season at a premium, is now a pending UFA. Through 39 games, he’s posted eight goals and 11 points while playing primarily in a bottom-six role.
He’s also coming off a broken foot that limited his start to the season. The numbers won’t blow you away, but Laughton’s value goes beyond the scoresheet - he’s the type of player playoff teams look to add for depth and reliability.
Toronto can retain on his $1.5 million cap hit, making him even more attractive to contenders. A second-round pick is a realistic ask, and depending on the market, maybe even more. It’s the kind of move that stings in the short term but pays off down the line.
Nicolas Roy: A Bounce-Back Candidate Worth Moving
Nicolas Roy came to Toronto as part of the Mitch Marner trade with Vegas, and while the fit hasn’t been seamless, there’s still value here. With just five goals and 20 points in 54 games, Roy hasn’t quite found his offensive stride, but he’s a proven 15-goal, 30-40 point player when he’s right.
What makes Roy appealing is his contract - one more year at $3 million. If the Leafs retain half, dropping that number to $1.5 million, he becomes a low-risk depth add for any contender looking to shore up its bottom six.
Think of this as a mirror image of the Laughton deal from last year. Roy may not have hit his stride in Toronto, but that doesn’t mean other teams won’t see the upside. A smart, cap-conscious team could view him as a valuable piece for a playoff run.
The Path Forward: Be Decisive, Be Strategic
The Leafs went into the Olympic break riding a three-game win streak, and while that’s a nice morale boost, it shouldn’t cloud the bigger picture. This team, as currently constructed, isn’t built for a deep playoff run - and management knows it.
Brad Treliving and the front office are limited to retaining salary on just three contracts at the deadline, so every move has to be calculated. But if they play it right - moving McMann, Ekman-Larsson, Laughton, and Roy for picks and prospects - the Leafs could retool quickly and be right back in the playoff mix next season.
This isn’t about tearing it down. It’s about being smart, maximizing value, and building around the core that still includes elite talent like Auston Matthews.
The window isn’t closed - but it does need a fresh breeze. March 6 is Toronto’s chance to open it.