NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on the FAN Hockey Show that a Toronto Maple Leafs win on Tuesday night over the Edmonton Oilers (if they can pull out a victory) does not change their 2025-26 trade deadline plans. As per Friedman, they’re selling.
The question becomes, who are they selling to, and when would they like to make the moves they’re likely to make?
Anthony Stolarz
The Maple Leafs have three goalies and don’t need them all. If they’re going to be sellers, juggling between three capable options makes little sense if there are assets the team can acquire by moving one.
The most logical option would be Anthony Stolarz.
The netminder is 6-7-1 on the season with a 3.67 GAA and a .876 SV%. That’s not good, and Stolarz hasn’t been the same since signing his extension with the team this past summer.
There has been talk that the Maple Leafs should explore the market for Joseph Woll. They could also place Dennis Hildeby on waivers (he would likely be claimed). But, if the Leafs can obtain an asset for Stolarz — , he arguably hasn’t played well enough to move his full salary without a sweetener — the Leafs should jump.
There might be value in waiting until the actual trade deadline to see if Stolarz can increase his trade value. However, the Maple Leafs risk not being able to move him if his value drops. And, does the team really prioritize Stolarz over Woll and Hildeby?
Related: Suggested Trade Sees Sharks Landing Maple Leafs’ Matthews in Shocking Deadline Move
Nick Kypreos writes, “…you have to think they’d feel most comfortable moving Stolarz right now. But the return will still have to be worth it and the team has to feel it’s getting an upgrade to the roster.”
Bobby McMann
Bobby McMann is a popular player these days. The left-winger has 17 goals, 13 assists, and 30 points in 54 games. He’s likely to shatter his career-best numbers, which is convenient in a contract year.
McMann is reportedly among the most popular players attracting trade interest, and several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, are said to be floating around his availability. Kypreos writes, “If the Leafs are going to attempt a retool on the fly so they can try to make the playoffs again next year, they may not be comfortable keeping McMann, who could be looking for about $5 million AAV.” He adds, “In the meantime, they could maybe get a couple pieces for him, a second-round pick plus.”
Is this something the Leafs do before Wednesday’s break deadline? If a team gets antsy and offers up a solid package, that’s entirely possible. However, given how much more valuable McMann seems to be than Kiefer Sherwood — who was traded to the San Jose Sharks for much less than the Maple Leafs are rumored to be asking — it might be worth waiting.
The downside is injury or a drop in production after the Olympic break.
There aren’t many solid depth pieces available at a $1.35-million cap hit. Every contender will be looking for inexpensive additions. All that has to happen is for one team to call Brad Treliving with an offer too good to pass up.
