Blockbuster Between Maple Leafs and Canucks Possible

A blockbuster trade involving the Toronto Maple Leafs? According to Mike Johnson of TSN, that’s what Toronto needs to do this offseason. His latest pitch on TSN 1050 Radio would see the Maple Leafs sending their longest-tenured defenseman, Morgan Rielly, to the Vancouver Canucks. The return from Vancouver would be center Elias Pettersson.

As far as blockbuster trades go, that’s a pretty decent one. However, since Vancouver is entering a rebuild, would Rielly still waive his no-movement clause to play for his hometown team? He might if both sides get creative and involve more players.

If the Maple Leafs were to add Nick Robertson and a prospect like Noah Chadwick or Miroslav Holinka to the deal, it would help speed up the Canucks rebuild. Toronto could also ask for a conditional 2027 draft pick based on how well Rielly performs in Vancouver. Then you have a real bona fide blockbuster.

Toronto wouldn’t be required to retain any of Rielly’s ($7.5 million) salary. Vancouver has just under $22 million in available cap space. Plus, they’d be sending Pettersson ($11.6 million AAV) to Toronto, a difference of $4.1 million towards the Maple Leafs salary cap.

Blockbuster Helps Toronto

Adding Pettersson and sliding him into the second line center spot allows Toronto to move John Tavares to left wing on that line. Now, I know many fans in Leafs Nation would scream if Toronto added another player making over $11 million, but when healthy, Pettersson can contribute 30 goals and 60+ points. He had 89 points two seasons ago, and he is still only 27 years old.

One must also remember that the salary cap is going up and looks to be heading in a constant upward swing. Adding Pettersson through a trade could fix the Leafs’ need for a top-six forward without overpaying for a lesser talent in free agency. Another thing to consider is how much fun Pettersson and Nylander would have playing together. Their Swedish connection can’t go unnoticed.

After making a Pettersson for Rielly blockbuster, Toronto would still have around $18 million in cap space. That is more than enough for Maple Leafs GM John Chayka to acquire a top-four defenseman ($6 million – $8 million) and fill out his bottom six.

Possible Leafs Lineup

A blockbuster to add Pettersson, and drafting Gavin McKenna first overall, would drastically change Toronto’s top six. Here’s a look at a possible lineup for the Maple Leafs to start the 2026-27 season.

Line 1: McKenna – Matthews – Knies
Line 2: Tavares – Pettersson – Nylander
Line 3: Cowan – Quillan – Maccelli/UFA
Line 4: Lorentz – UFA – Joshua
LTIR: Domi

D-Pair 1: UFA – Ekman-Larsson
D-Pair 2: McCabe – Tanev
D-Pair 3: Benoit – Carlo/Villeneuve

Starter: Woll/Stolarz
Backup: Hildeby

Now, obviously, a lot could change between now and the start of the season. This is just a sample of a possible lineup. It is unclear if Maccelli or Robertson will be re-signed. They are both RFAs, and as mentioned above, one of them could be included in the blockbuster trade with Vancouver.

I also expect one of Anthony Stolarz or Joseph Woll to be traded to make room for Dennis Hildeby. Another player who might find himself on a different team is defenseman Brandon Carlo. He had a poor and injury-riddled 2025-26 season.