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2026 NHL Trade Deadline Primer: Toronto Maple Leafs

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Spencer Lazary | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 4:23 PM ET

The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is right around the corner. Which means it’s time to start looking at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ deadline primer.

The Maple Leafs find themselves between a rock and a hard place. They are mathematically still in the running for a playoff spot. However, it does seem like a much better option for them to sell assets and retool on the fly. But we all know they could change their focus if they do well in the first six games back from the Olympic break.

Regardless, let’s take a closer look at the Maple Leafs’ trade deadline primer.

The Maple Leafs’ Status at the Trade Deadline: Sellers

In terms of their status, it is a little hard to know exactly what they will do. Especially with all the conflicting reports. Which is why we’re choosing “sellers.” It’s what I believe they will do, and it makes more sense.

When NHL fans think of sellers, they think complete teardown. For NHL 26 fans, think conservative sellers. It may be more akin to minor surgery than a full procedure, similar to what the Boston Bruins did last season. Toronto will sell off its biggest, most valuable trade targets, such as Bobby McMann, and collect as many assets as possible in return. They can then use those assets to acquire talent in the offseason or even restock their draft cupboards, which are very bare.

Maple Leafs’ Salary Cap Space

In terms of cap space, the Maple Leafs don’t have a ton. That said, if they plan to sell, they don’t need to worry too much about it. When a team is in the process of selling, there are a few important pieces of information.

One is their cap space. You don’t want to be too close to the floor. Again, the Maple Leafs aren’t, so it’s not a worry. Secondly, their roster spots. A team can carry 50 standard contracts. Right now, they have 46 of 50, meaning they can take on four contracts if they really wanted to.

And finally, their salary cap retention spots. As they have been buying for the last decade, they have all three spots remaining. That means they can retain on three contracts that they trade. If the Maple Leafs get creative, they could use a retention spot to be a third team in a blockbuster trade and recoup a draft pick and a prospect in the deal. Other than that, look for them to retain on some of their UFAs to increase the asking price.

Maple Leafs’ Trade Chips

Next up, their trade chips. The biggest one is McMann. He has been heavily linked to the Edmonton Oilers. It seems like it is almost a 100 percent certainty that he’ll be traded. After that, there’s the rest of the UFAs. Which includes Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Troy Stecher.

Then there are some names that have been floating around the rumour mill. Such as Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who is expected to deliver a strong return if they elect to trade him. As well as Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers, and Anthony Stolarz. Lastly, although it is unrealistic to do during the season, Morgan Rielly’s name has been mentioned quite a bit.

If they were to deal the players named above, there is a good chance they’d get a huge culture shift, which could help them regroup as an organization.

What Are the Maple Leafs’ Players Worth?

This is an age-old question. What are the players on the open market worth? In terms of the biggest hauls, that would be McMann, Ekman-Larsson, and Stolarz if they were dealt. It could easily be three first-round picks and some prospects. Obviously, it goes without saying that trading Rielly would be a seismic shift. But it is highly unlikely to happen by the March 6 deadline, so I’m leaving it out.

Outside of those three, Laughton and Roy could land close to the Kiefer Sherwood return. So, two second-round picks. Maccelli is an interesting name because he has found his game in Toronto as of late. But it likely wouldn’t be more than the third-round pick they paid for him in the summer. As for the rest of them, Stecher could be a mid-tier draft pick, which is good value for a waiver claim. Jarnkrok and Myers would be depth additions for a contender, so likely a seventh-round pick. And last but not least, Benoit. It’d be smart for the Maple Leafs to cash in on a defenceman swap, one for one. Preferably one that has a bit of team control left.

The Bottom Line for the Maple Leafs

The bottom line is simple. Sell and retool. It’s time. They need to do something. They can’t keep running it back with the same group, just different variations, and expect something to change. If they fall too far out of the race, the sell-off could be bigger than just a few UFAs. That may frustrate fans. But it could be worth it if it allows them to retool properly and hopefully find some more playoff success.