Leafs to sit three potential trade candidates against Devils

With 64 points through 61 games, the Leafs sit in second-last place in the Atlantic Division and nine points back of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. There was some hope Toronto could turn around its season, but after going 0-3-1 since returning from the Olympic break, it appears general manager Brad Treliving has at least acknowledged the Leafs’ position and has prioritized recouping assets for the future.

McMann, 29, is in the final season of a two-year, $2.7 million deal, and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason. Through 60 games played this season, the winger has 19 goals and 13 assists for 32 points.

Laughton, 31, is also scheduled to become a UFA in the offseason. The veteran center is in the final season of a five-year, $15 million deal he initially signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. Toronto acquired Laughton, along with a pair of late-round draft picks, from Philadelphia at last year’s trade deadline in exchange for forward prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional 2027 first-round draft pick. The Oakville, Ontario native has eight goals and four assists for 12 points in 43 games this season.

Ekman-Larsson, 34, is in the second season of a four-year, $14 million deal. He has a modified no-trade clause in his contract that allows him to submit a list of 16 teams to which he could prevent the Leafs from sending him. The veteran blueliner has eight goals and 27 assists for 35 points in 61 games this season.