Could the Toronto Maple Leafs Be Sellers?

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be sellers at the trade deadline for the first time in a decade. Even when the Leafs were giving fans hope during an 8-0-2 run, they gained little ground in the standings. Toronto currently sits five points out of a wild-card spot with 57 points.

Yes, there have been a boatload of injuries this season, but even injured teams need to find a way. There’s been recent speculation that Leafs GM Brad Treliving is exploring the idea of trading for defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Luke Schenn. However, I think the Leafs should be a contending team before making any additions.

Soon, the NHL will be on a two-week break while numerous players head to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Leafs will have about two weeks from when NHL play resumes until the trade deadline. I think Toronto should be sellers at the deadline if they’re still not in a playoff spot by March 6th. They have plenty of pending UFA and RFA rentals that other teams will call about.

Toronto’s Free Agent Rentals

The Maple Leafs have forwards Calle Jarnkrok, Scott Laughton, and Bobby McMann, and defenseman Troy Stecher as pending UFAs. They also have forwards Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson as pending RFAs. From this group, the only player(s) I would consider keeping are Laughton and Stecher. Both have played their role perfectly for the Leafs.

When it comes to Toronto’s prospect cupboard, it’s pretty bare. Should the Leafs find themselves as sellers, it’s time for Treliving to restock the cupboards. Prospects or draft picks should be his main focus at the deadline if he’s selling spare parts. Worry about addressing the main roster needs during free agency in the summer.

For the 2026 NHL draft, the Leafs have no picks in the first, second, fourth, or seventh rounds. They’re also without a pick in the first and third rounds of the 2027 draft. Recouping some of those picks is important, even if it’s for the short term. Hard to make certain trades without picks, so adding some could work in Treliving’s favor. Whether he trades the picks or uses them to add prospects, either way it’s important.

Toronto Should Upgrade During Free Agency

As I mentioned before, I think the Leafs should try to re-sign Scott Laughton and Troy Stecher. However, that’s only if the price is right. Here are a few other pending UFAs I think Toronto should consider if they hit the open market.

Alex Tuch – 29 (6’4, 219Lbs), right-winger. He has registered 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points in 50 games this season for the Buffalo Sabres. His average ice time is around 18-19 minutes per game. Tuch would be a nice offensive addition to the Leafs’ top six.

Boone Jenner – 32 (6’2, 204Lbs), centreman. He is a native of Ontario and played junior hockey for the Oshawa Generals. This season, Jenner has eight goals and 17 assists for 25 points in 37 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is averaging 16-17 minutes of ice time per game, and would play in Toronto’s middle six if signed by Treliving.

Jacob Trouba – 31 (6’3, 212Lbs), right-shooting defenseman. He will not come cheap, but would join Toronto’s top defense pairing if signed. This season, Trouba has eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 51 games. He is averaging over 22 minutes a game. Trouba also blocks a lot of shots and isn’t afraid throw his weight around either.

Anthony Mantha – 31 (6’5, 240Lbs), right-winger. He has 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points in 51 games this season. Mantha is averaging 14-16 minutes per game and would be a nice addition to Toronto’s middle six. Especially if Toronto is without both Robertson and McMann.

Mario Ferraro – 27 (5’11, 200Lbs), left-shooting defenseman. He’s averaging 20 minutes per game this season. The hometown kid has registered four goals and eight assists this season for 12 points in 50 games. However, it’s his 85 hits and 95 blocked shots that are more appealing. He could replace Chris Tanev in Toronto’s top four if Tanev is unable to continue playing.

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