The NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone where the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking to make a statement with the moves they made, but not for the reason you think they might be. For the first time in the Auston Matthews era, the Maple Leafs were sellers and it felt like that was the case since before the 2026 Winter Olympic games.
With them being eight points out of a playoff spot and a season that has been filled with inconsistencies to their game and lack of effort, the Maple Leafs traded Nicolas Roy, Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton for multiple picks to restock the draft cupboard and regain assets in order to go through a re-tool. General manager Brad Treliving faced reality to make moves, but overall, it left many wanting more as some of the returns were sub-par.
Recapping the Deadline
Treliving and the Maple Leafs first made headlines by moving Roy to the Colorado Avalanche the day before the deadline. While there were talks of him being dealt beforehand, it came to fruition as the return shocked many.
The Maple Leafs received the Avalanche’s 2027 first-round pick, which is top-10 protected in addition to a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026, the lowest of the Avalanche’s three picks. The move itself isn’t surprising, however, the fact that the Maple Leafs received a first-round pick in the process really helps improve their draft capital. They gave up their first in the trade for Laughton last season, which is also top-10 protected and could possibly have two first-rounders if things go south again next season.
Roy was included in the Mitch Marner sign and trade with the Vegas Golden Knights and was a really steady option as a third line centre, producing five goals and 20 points in 59 games. The fact that Treliving was able to flip him for a first was some tidy work in order to get a potential valuable pick. That set the stage for deadline day itself as expectations were high and needed to match that.
Related: Grading the Maple Leafs & Kraken’s Bobby McMann Trade
While it was quiet for most of the day, Treliving was able to offload McMann and Laughton although the returns didn’t meet the expectations many had hoped for. McMann was moved to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a 2026 fourth-round pick, while Laughton went to the Los Angeles Kings for a 2026 conditional third-round pick.
Treliving got a lot of quality picks, which is great. However, considering some of the other prices for players earlier in the day and even before that, Treliving could’ve done much better than he did.
Maple Leafs Could’ve Fared Better
Treliving did what he needed to do and get assets for unrestricted free agents. While you would’ve liked to move on from Brandon Carlo, Oliver Ekman-Larsson– as he did have the best value– and others, the returns on deadline day for what they got were underwhelming.
Getting a first for McMann was hopeful, but wasn’t likely when the comparable was Keifer Sherwood, where the Vancouver Canucks got two second-round picks. Treliving got one, but he got less than market value for a strong skating, 20-goal scorer. Not getting a second-rounder for this year is even more disappointing given the Maple Leafs don’t have a pick until the third-round. Even a prospect would’ve been a good return. Not only that, it’s the lowest of the second- round picks (Columbus Blue Jackets or Winnipeg Jets) that the Kraken have that the Maple Leafs will get.
The Laughton trade was even more disappointing as he went for less than some of the other moves, like the Nic Dowd, Corey Perry and Michael McCarron trades as all three went for second-round picks or more. Treliving wasn’t going to get the return he got for him when he traded for him last season, but the fact that he couldn’t get a for sure second-round pick in stone, isn’t ideal. Laughton easily could’ve brought that in and while the condition could bump it up to a second if the Kings make the playoffs, there’s no guarantee that happens.
For a player that has great defensive abilities, is strong in the face-off dot and carrying a decent cap hit, a second should’ve been solidified. It felt like Treliving hesitated and panicked at the last minute just to get something done and lost out on getting more value the market set.
Related: Grading the Maple Leafs & Avalanche’s Nicolas Roy Trade
While getting picks helps the Maple Leafs out for the future, it doesn’t help them out in the present. Treliving had a chance to accelerate and make his mark with the re-tool. However, average returns kind of feels like enough wasn’t done and the re-tool could be headed down a longer path. Not only that, not having a pick in the first two rounds in 2026 is alarming as that could’ve helped out tremendously. There’s still no guarantee that they have their own first-round pick, which is top-five protected and in the hands of the Boston Bruins.
The Verdict
Treliving did get picks for players that were high on trade boards, but the value of those picks could’ve been better. He acquired first and second-rounders but not getting any for 2026, having to wait a year isn’t ideal and the returns compared to other deals weren’t as strong.
Grade: C-
