The Toronto Maple Leafs could be coming out of the Olympic break with plenty of questions and a lot of hope. Momentum has been swinging like a pendulum this season, and Auston Matthews’ performance in Italy might just tip the scales.
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Meanwhile, there’s some American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies action heating up and whispers of trade chatter that could shuffle the deck. Here’s the latest from the Maple Leafs.
Item One: Can Matthews’ Olympic Run Kickstart Maple Leafs Momentum?
Matthews is carrying more than his fair share of pressure heading to the Olympics. Not only does he have Team USA counting on him, but he’s also got the Maple Leafs’ fate dangling in the balance. Before the break, Toronto was riding a three-game win streak, sweeping the Western Canada road trip and topping it off with a huge win over the Edmonton Oilers.
That streak was perfectly timed: just after a brutal stretch where they lost six straight and eight of nine games, a lot of voices were whispering about a potential shakeup once the Olympics rolled around. Matthews’ performance on the international stage could be the spark the Maple Leafs desperately need.
Matthews has made the playoffs every year of his NHL career, and missing out this season isn’t even on the table — not with him as captain. Leading Team USA while trying to lift one of the league’s biggest franchises is no small feat, but if he rises to the occasion in Italy, that confidence and leadership could bleed directly back into the locker room in Toronto.
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The Maple Leafs are currently six points out of a playoff spot in a wide-open Eastern Conference. After the Olympic break, they have three huge Atlantic Division games coming up: the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Ottawa Senators. They’re essentially must-win matchups. A strong Matthews showing on the world stage might be exactly what the Maple Leafs need to turn these tight games into momentum builders rather than nail-biters.
Item Two: Groulx Shines in Marlies Win. Is a Maple Leafs Call-Up Next?
Benoit‑Olivier “Bo” Groulx made everyone sit up and take notice on Saturday. He scored a goal and added two assists as the Marlies crushed the Springfield Thunderbirds 5-1. It wasn’t just the points — it was the way he bounced back after a rare multi-game slump, reminding everyone why he’s been a quietly consistent presence all season.
For Maple Leafs fans who don’t know who Groulx is, he is a 26-year-old centre from Rouen, France, standing 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds. Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2018 (#54 overall), he’s bounced around a bit. He signed with the New York Rangers in 2024 and signed with the Maple Leafs last summer. Over 44 games, Groulx has 21 goals, 18 assists, 100 shots on net, and sits at plus-9.
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Groulx’s not a rookie, but he’s been steadily proving he can handle a bigger role. With his offensive instincts and ability to impact play all over the ice, he’s the kind of player who might be able to shake things up if called to the NHL. With some veteran forwards potentially moving before the trade deadline, Groulx could be next in line for a shot with the Maple Leafs. Toronto isn’t rushing him, but if the opportunity arises, he’s ready to step in and make an immediate impact.
Item Three: Maple Leafs & Oilers Held Trade Talks, But Not McMann
Here’s a new twist on some regular rumours. Before the Olympic roster freeze, the Maple Leafs and Oilers did have trade discussions. However, it was reported that it wasn’t the usual Bobby McMann chatter fans were expecting. On Jeff Marek’s The Sheet podcast, it was revealed that McMann’s name didn’t come up, but the Oilers had their eye on Nicolas Roy and . Roy’s been a solid middle-six forward, and Ekman‑Larsson has filled an important role on Toronto’s blue line. Both would help Edmonton address depth without parting with major pieces.
This flips the usual story. McMann has been the hot name in Maple Leafs-Oilers trade talk, probably because he’s cheap, effective, and a close-to-home player with a little extra spark against Edmonton. But insiders say Edmonton’s focus might lie elsewhere, which could open doors for Toronto once the freeze lifts.
From the Maple Leafs’ perspective, players like Ekman‑Larsson and Roy are useful. If they decide to trade them and play their cards right, they could walk away with something better than just a mid-tier return. And even if Edmonton circles back post-Olympics, Toronto isn’t desperate. They can see how the market shakes out and make a smart, strategic move.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
The post-Olympic stretch will be telling. Matthews’ performance in Italy, Groulx’s potential call-up, and the trade actualities could all shape how the Maple Leafs approach the final leg of the season. They’ve got three crucial games against Atlantic Division rivals. They can either close the gap in the standings or fall further behind. Depth, momentum, and a little bit of luck will play huge roles.
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Right now, the Maple Leafs need wins. With some hot streaks, smart moves, and a captain firing on all cylinders, Toronto could finish this stretch stronger than anyone expected. After the break, we’ll see if things slide. The post-Olympic landscape might force them to make some tough calls before the playoffs. Either way, it’s shaping up to be a pivotal few weeks in Maple Leafs Nation.
