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Maple Leafs Have This Surprising 'Three-Win' Scenario

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 10:43 AM ET

Sometimes a thought pops into my head during trade deadline day and just refuses to leave. It happened while listening to analysts talk about the moves the Toronto Maple Leafs made. Most of the focus was on what the team got back and whether the optics were good or bad.

The Scott Laughton Trade Got the Worst Optics from Analysts

The Scott Laughton deal was the one that seemed to bother people the most. Toronto had paid a pretty heavy price to bring him in earlier, so the return this time didn’t exactly scream “win” to everyone watching.

The McMann deal landed in a bit of an unexpected way. A lot of the analysts said the Leafs did pretty decent with the picks they picked up. Nothing flashy or blockbuster-level, but honestly, it felt like fair value — maybe even a touch better.

Still, when McMann talked after the trade, you could hear the resignation in his voice. He said all the right stuff about being excited to join the Kraken — exactly what you’d expect — but it was pretty clear leaving Toronto wasn’t easy. He’s only known one NHL team.

And that’s when the thought crept in.

Could McMann and Laughton Circle Back to the Maple Leafs?

Both McMann and Laughton clearly said they wanted to stay in Toronto. Neither McMann nor Laughton signed extensions when they were traded. They’re essentially rentals for the rest of the season.

Here’s a weird thought: what if one of those guys — or maybe both — wound up back in Toronto? I’m not saying it’s likely — it probably isn’t. There’s no master plan here or anything. But once free agency starts, they can sign anywhere they want to. That possibility is on the table.

That includes their old team. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s not against the rules either.

The Maple Leafs Potential “Three Wins” Scenario

If something like that actually happened, the trade deadline would suddenly look a lot different. First, the Maple Leafs would still have the draft picks they gained in the deals. Second, they’d potentially get back players they clearly liked having around.

And there’s a third piece that’s kind of interesting to think about. Without those players in the lineup for the rest of the season, the team probably isn’t quite as strong down the stretch. With neither in the lineup, it could also help draft positioning. That’s three wins from the same move.

Clearly, This Is a Thought Experiment About the Maple Leafs

To be clear, this is just a thought experiment. There’s no indication anyone involved is thinking this way. But during deadline season, when emotions are high and futures are uncertain, it’s hard not to wonder.

Maybe I’m the only one thinking it. Then again… maybe I’m not.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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