Before the Christmas break, I wrote about how the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lack of trade assets would make it difficult to be buyers. At one point, it looked like they were turning a corner and they could look to make some tweaks here and there to improve the roster for a playoff push.
However, after their recent homestand where they went 0- 4- 1, were outscored 25-12 and allowed six goals three times, they once again showed that maybe they really shouldn’t be buyers. They’re once again seventh in the Atlantic Division and continue to fall behind in the wild card race as they’re now eight points back. While they can easily turn things around (again) these last few games make it hard to find any optimism as they still haven’t shown to be true contenders.
They can’t buy their way to make a push, so the next best thing for them is to sell off some key players and gain some assets in return and go through a re-tool and look to next season. While their pipeline is weak and it would take a major move to move Easton Cowan or Ben Danford, they have roster pieces that can bring in strong returns and should consider selling them at the trade deadline.
Maple Leafs Could Have Underrated Trade Chip
Jonas Siegel of the Athletic mentions a number of trade assets for the Maple Leafs. One intriguing name he suggested popped out which could yield probably the most significant return of anyone on the team that could be available. That is Oliver Ekman-Larsson. (from, ‘Monday Morning Leafs Report: Is this season beyond salvaging?’, The Athletic – 1/26/26)
In a perfect world, Ekman-Larsson should stay with the team. He has been a fantastic addition when the Maple Leafs signed him in 2024 and has looked to be their most consistent defender all season, given the woes and injuries they’ve suffered. He’s the leading point getter among defenders on the team with 32 points and has a high danger goals percentage of 61.54% when he’s on the ice at five-on-five. However, if the Maple Leafs continue to fall, they need to gain assets as soon as possible.
Moving Ekman-Larsson is tough considering his importance, but it makes sense as any trade would garner a big return in terms of draft assets and potential roster pieces. He has a very friendly cap hit of $3.5 million and is signed for two more seasons. He does have a 16 team no-trade list, but all of this should still be appealing to any contending team.
The asking price should start with a first-round pick. It was a piece in the Rasmus Andersson trade and Ekman-Larsson has the same amount of points as him. In addition, you could get either another serviceable defender, a middle-six forward or prospect at either position who is waiting to make the jump and get more of an opportunity. If the Maple Leafs gave up a first and an impactful prospect in Fraser Minten for Brandon Carlo, a playoff team could certainly pay that price for Ekman-Larsson. There’s no news that he’s on the move, but his value should be high.
Related: The Maple Leafs’ Season Might Be Slipping Away
General manager Brad Treliving has a chance to recoup those assets he gave up for Carlo which hasn’t quite worked out as they were looking to move on from him.
McMann Could Also Bring in Strong Return
Extending Bobby McMann is a main focus and it’s something that many would like to see. He has quickly risen up the ranks to become a power forward that can have a tremendous impact in such a short time and it has shown to this point.
McMann had production as a bottom-six player last season as he had 20 goals and 34 points. He has 17 already and has 29 points as he’s once again on-pace for another 20-goal season with 26. He has seen increased minutes on the top line with Auston Matthews and has had good results to show for the most part. McMann ranks third on the team in individual scoring chances for (88) and his ability to generate in the middle of the ice, size and speed is a direct result of that.
While extending McMann should be at the forefront, if there’s a deal where you can get multiple picks in return, you can’t second guess it. He can easily bring in a strong combination of mid-round picks. With Kiefer Sherwood going for two second-round picks, it’s possible that McMann could fetch that same price as that’s a comparison that is floating around. Given how he’s on-pace for another 20-goal season, Treliving definitely should be asking high on that trade.
The Maple Leafs need to get more mid-round picks and McMann can bring that in and if they can’t get a contract done, moving him before he leaves for free agency is ideal. There’s already some talk of the Edmonton Oilers having interest. If there’s a good deal, you make it.
Finally Moving on from Robertson?
Even when the season started, the Maple Leafs were still exploring the market for Nicholas Robertson. Now might be the perfect time to act on that and give him a fresh start on another team.
Robertson has 11 goals and 24 points in 50 games and is a versatile player that can move up and down the lineup. He has shown that he can keep up in a top-six role, but he excels as a third line energy-type player. He’s a goal scorer, has great speed and even has some tenacity to his game by showing the willingness to battle. The Maple Leafs would like a young player in return, but even if they get a pick or prospect, that’s at least something as it can build up that depth.
I wonder if Robertson could be a fit with the Dallas Stars and play with his older brother Jason. Mavrik Bourque plays with a great amount of pace like Robertson and is the same age as him. If they need to add more to acquire him, that could be something to look into. Even if he’s part of another deal, he’s a player that could fit in well with the Maple Leafs as he’s a battler and has great hockey sense on both sides of the puck.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Untouchables List Is Smaller Than Fans Think
Even if the Maple Leafs do start to turn things around, there should be no major investment at the trade deadline as this team has been inconsistent and streaky all season long. They need to make some moves where the season is closer to being lost, but provide some hope for the next season.
They have the pieces to make the moves. They need to act on it and add players or picks that can result in positive change.
Statistics from Natural Stat Trick and NHL.
