If you told Maple Leafs fans a year ago they'd be staring up from the bottom of the Atlantic Division in late January, they might’ve laughed you out of the room. But here we are-and it’s no laughing matter. Toronto is 10 points out of a playoff spot, and the whispers of a rebuild are starting to sound a lot more like a chorus.
This season has flipped the script in a way no one saw coming. After winning the Atlantic last year and entering the season with high expectations, the Leafs have hit a wall-and hit it hard. A recent five-game homestand against some of the league’s best (Minnesota, Detroit, Vegas, Colorado, and Buffalo) was a gut punch: 0-4-1, outscored 25-12, and very little fight shown on home ice, where they’ve typically thrived.
The effort? Lacking.
The identity? Unclear.
The results? Ugly.
And now, the front office has to face a hard truth: this group might not be built to contend anymore. If a rebuild is on the table, it’s time to start looking at who could bring back real value in a trade. Let’s break down three names that could be on the move-and why they could help kick-start a new era in Toronto.
Brandon Carlo: Time for a reset
Brandon Carlo’s time in Toronto hasn’t exactly gone to plan. Brought in with hopes that he’d bring the same physical edge he showed in Boston, Carlo has struggled to find his footing. The once-reliable shutdown defenseman has looked out of place-less punishing, more passive-and a far cry from the player he was with the Bruins.
But here’s the thing: big, right-shot defensemen with a physical presence don’t grow on trees. And Carlo’s reputation around the league still holds weight. There are teams out there who’d be interested in giving him a fresh start, especially if they believe they can unlock his old form.
The Leafs gave up a first-round pick and Fraser Minten to land Carlo. They might not get that exact return, but something close isn’t out of the question-especially if the goal is to clear cap space and recoup draft capital. For a team short on picks in the next few years, moving Carlo could be a smart first step toward reshaping the roster.
Nick Robertson: A middle-six scorer with value
Nick Robertson’s journey in Toronto has been anything but smooth. Between injuries and inconsistent usage, he’s had a hard time finding a permanent role.
But this season? He’s finally putting it together.
Now a fixture on the third line, Robertson is showing flashes of the scoring touch that made him one of the Leafs’ most intriguing prospects. He’s not just surviving-he’s producing. And for teams looking to add scoring depth ahead of the deadline, that makes him a valuable piece.
The Leafs could potentially flip Robertson for a package that includes a couple of picks and a young prospect. That’s the kind of return that fits a rebuilding blueprint: younger, cheaper, and with upside. It’s not an easy move to make-Robertson still has potential-but if the front office is serious about turning the page, it might be time to cash in.
Bobby McMann: The breakout candidate with high trade value
If there’s one player who’s made the most of his opportunity this season, it’s Bobby McMann. Slotted in as a second-line winger, McMann has quietly developed into a reliable 20-goal threat-and he’s doing it with consistency.
That kind of production, especially on a team-friendly deal, makes him one of Toronto’s most attractive trade chips. He’s the kind of player a contender might overpay for-think a mid-roster contributor and a first-round pick. For a team like the Leafs, who need to restock the cupboard, that’s a tempting offer.
Yes, there’s risk here. Trading McMann could come back to bite them, especially if he continues to develop into a top-six fixture elsewhere.
It’s not hard to imagine this turning into another Zach Hyman situation-letting go of a late-bloomer just as he hits his stride. But if the goal is long-term sustainability, moving McMann while his value is high could be the right call.
Where do the Leafs go from here?
Every loss digs the hole deeper. The Atlantic is as competitive as ever, with Montreal, Buffalo, and Boston all taking steps forward. Meanwhile, Toronto’s season is slipping away, and the team that once looked like a Cup contender now feels stuck in neutral.
The word “rebuild” hasn’t officially been stamped on this team yet, but it’s hard to ignore the signs. The core that promised so much is aging, the results aren’t coming, and the identity crisis is real. For a fanbase that’s waited decades for a return to glory, the idea of starting over is painful-but maybe necessary.
This isn’t about blowing everything up. It’s about being smart, strategic, and honest about where things stand. And if the Leafs want to build a team that can actually get over the hump, it might mean letting go of some familiar faces to make room for what’s next.
Because right now, the only thing more painful than rebuilding might be refusing to.