Maple Leafs and Canadiens: Trade Deadline Tension Builds

The NHL trade deadline is almost here, and you can feel the tension rising for both Toronto and Montreal. For the Maple Leafs, the chatter is loud about Morgan Rielly. He’s got that no-movement clause, so most fans figure he’s safe, at least until summer. But teams like San Jose are reportedly sniffing around, and Timothy Liljegren could get caught up in the mix, too.

Beyond Rielly, names like Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit are popping up as real possibilities to move. Auston Matthews and William Nylander have hit the rumour mill, but most insiders think the Maple Leafs will target the other forwards first. Calle Jarnkrok, Max Domi, Scott Laughton, and Mattias Maccelli could all be part of the shuffle if Toronto decides it’s time to tweak the roster.

Maple Leafs: Selling or Tweaking?

It feels like Toronto is in that limbo stage—trying to balance winning now with managing the cap and contracts. Moving someone like McMann or Benoit wouldn’t be shocking, and it could free up room to bring in a fresh piece down the stretch. There’s always that undercurrent of “what if?” around the big names. But right now, the Maple Leafs seem more interested in practical moves. A little shake-up here, a nudge there, and suddenly the lineup looks a little different heading into March. For fans, it’s a mix of excitement and anxiety. Every trade rumour sends ripples through the locker room chatter and the stands.

Canadiens: Buying Mode Activated.

Meanwhile, Montreal is clearly in buy mode. The Canadiens finished the stretch before the Olympic break with a nice little run—4-0-1. As a result, GM Kent Hughes is signalling they want to add talent that can make an immediate impact. Players like Vincent Trocheck, Nazem Kadri, and Charlie Coyle are being floated as potential additions. Even a young goalie like Jesper Wallstedt could be in the mix, which would be huge for their depth.

The approach is simple: don’t just stockpile picks or prospects. Montreal wants players who can step in and make a difference now, and the trade deadline is their chance to do it.

Fans Should Keep Their Eyes on the Next Few Weeks.

Both franchises are entering a crucial period. Toronto might tinker, shuffle, or sell, while Montreal seems ready to spend and improve. Either way, the next few weeks will be full of drama, strategy, and plenty of speculation. For anyone following closely, this is a time to pay attention. One trade could shift playoff hopes or change a team’s identity overnight. Whether you’re a Maple Leafs fan watching intently or a Canadiens supporter cheering for reinforcements, the countdown to March 6 promises plenty of stories—and probably a few surprises.