3 takeaways from Leafs-Devils: Stolarz, Maccelli solid in losing effort with deadline on the horizon

It was a homecoming game for Stolarz, playing against the team he grew up idolizing. Stolarz led the stretch to conclude Wednesday’s practice and was completely dialled in from the outset. Although it’s unlikely he’ll be traded before Friday’s deadline, Stolarz showed 31 other teams what he’s capable of when he’s at his best, using his towering frame and lateral quickness to great effect throughout the night, as the Maple Leafs were completely outshot and out-possessed throughout the game.

A great showcase from Matias Maccelli

Matias Maccelli delivered one of his best performances of the season. While Maccelli wasn’t scratched for roster management purposes, he’s one of several players that could potentially be moved before Friday’s deadline. Maccelli’s playmaking and opportunism were on full display during Wednesday’s game and he was arguably Toronto’s best forward.

Dakota Joshua did the dirty work, dangling through the Devils’ defence to create separation, before finding Maccelli in the slot. Maccelli sniped a shot over Jacob Markstrom’s blocker for the game’s opening goal, and continued to work throughout the contest. He finished with five scoring chances, and the Maple Leafs controlled 52 percent of the expected goals when he was on the ice at 5-on-5.

There could be a market for Maccelli, who is still just 25 years old and is two seasons removed from a 57-point campaign. If the league was paying close attention to Wednesday’s contest, perhaps Brad Treliving will be fielding some calls for the winger.

Ekman-Larsson, McMann, Laughton scratched for roster management purposes

It’s misdirection season. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube initially told reporters that there would be no changes to the lineup due to roster management purposes. Hours later, the team confirmed that Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton would be healthy scratches due to roster management purposes.

Ekman-Larsson has been the Maple Leafs’ best defenceman this season. The veteran defender told The Leafs Nation’s Nick Alberga that he wants to remain with the team for the long haul. If the Maple Leafs are trying to recoup a first-round pick ahead of Friday’s deadline, Ekman-Larsson may represent the most logical path forward. He’s having a quietly excellent year, he’s won a Stanley Cup, he plays with an underrated mean streak and would win his matchups handily against bottom-six competition.

McMann boasts blazing straight-line speed, and has been showcased on the top line alongside Auston Matthews for the better part of the 2026 calendar year. If McMann isn’t traded before Friday, it’s likely that the Maple Leafs sign him to a long-term pact.

Laughton was acquired at last year’s trade deadline. The fact that he’s on the block is an indication of how far the Maple Leafs have fallen. Although Laughton has indicated that he wants to remain in Toronto, it appears that he’s far away in contract talks with the team about a potential extension. Laughton has been celebrated for his veteran leadership and versatility, and could be an asset to a contender.

It will be curious to see if either of the three players will be traded prior to Thursday’s game against the New York Rangers, as the Maple Leafs enter Friday’s deadline positioned as sellers.