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Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Robertson, Dewar, Cowan & Parayko

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 4:02 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs meet the Boston Bruins in an odd situation tonight. The Bruins are gearing up for a crucial stretch, beginning with their game against Toronto. As the 2025 Trade Deadline approaches, the Bruins’ general manager, Don Sweeney, has been cautious. The Bruins are out of a playoff spot, and things don’t look hopeful, especially with the key defensive injuries of Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy. After a tough 3-2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks, the Bruins find themselves on a 0-2-1 skid. You have to know that they are desperate for a strong showing in the next six games to stay in the playoff hunt.

In contrast, the Maple Leafs are surging. The team recently moved into the Atlantic Division lead after back-to-back wins against the Carolina Hurricanes (6-3) and Chicago Blackhawks (5-2). In part, the Maple Leafs goaltending duo of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz has been excellent. The two have given the team control of both games.

Item One: The Contributions of the Maple Leafs Depth Players

In recent games, the Maple Leafs have experienced an oddity they hope continues. With Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and (even perhaps) William Nylander all a bit bagged from their physical and emotional engagement in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the depth players have stepped up in the scoring department. Their play has provided the team a much-needed boost.

Against the Blackhawks, Nicholas Robertson snapped a nine-game goal drought by potting two and Pontus Holmberg also scored a goal. The night before against the Carolina Hurricanes, Alex Steeves scored his first NHL goal and added an assist while Holmberg added two goals. These three have all amped up their contributions.

That fact wasn’t lost on head coach Craig Berube, who praised Steeves for his hardworking, direct style of play. While Steeves didn’t score on Sunday, he did look good in both wins. Tonight, Connor Dewar, another tough depth player, is returning from a nine-game absence. He gives the team a defensive fourth-line presence. Can the Maple Leafs’ depth again rise to help maintain the momentum of this so-far-successful four-game road trip?

Item Two: Could Easton Cowan Be Moved at the Trade Deadline?

Although I hope this scenario doesn’t happen, the Maple Leafs face key decisions about their future as the trade deadline approaches. Surprisingly, one player whose name has come up in trade discussions is Easton Cowan, their first-round pick from 2023. While Cowan is considered one of the team’s top prospects and a future top-six player, his potential to be moved remains a possibility, albeit unlikely.

Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten and Artur Akhtyamov (The Hockey Writers)

The speculation was the Maple Leafs might consider parting with Cowan if a deal for a young offensive talent becomes available—such as Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres or Mason McTavish from the Ducks. That would be especially true if the player in question were signed to a team-friendly contract or locked into a long-term deal.

However, unless the Maple Leafs make a significant trade that dramatically improves their lineup, it’s hard to see them moving Cowan. With the 2023 pick set to earn a lineup spot next season, the team is likelier to hold onto him for the future. Cowan should be deemed untouchable, as his development represents the team’s future. He’s given no indication he’s anything but a long-term keeper for the organization.

Item Three: Maple Leafs Eyeing Colton Parayko at Trade Deadline?

If this season has taught fans anything, it’s that solid defense is key to winning games. As the trade deadline approaches, one article suggested the Maple Leafs are increasingly interested in bolstering their defense rather than their offense. Recent speculation has focused on Colton Parayko, the St. Louis Blues defenseman, with Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne pointing to him as a top target for Toronto.

Landing Parayko, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound force on the blue line, would be a coup. In short, he’s a game-changer. He’s been impressive this season, pumping in 13 goals and adding 17 assists in 57 games. He also regularly chews up minutes by playing more than 24 minutes per game. His size, defensive power, and ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable asset.

Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Parayko’s contract has a $6.5 million cap hit through 2030. Given the coming salary-cap bump on the way, Bourne emphasized the long-term value he could bring to the Maple Leafs, especially considering his elite defensive play and offensive upside. Toronto could grow “bigger and bolder” by trading for Parayko. Furthermore, he already has a connection to Berube from their time together during the 2019 Stanley Cup run. However, with just $2.2 million in current cap space this season, trading for Parayko would require a bit of creative magic. Would the Blues retain some salary?

Parayko’s long-term potential could make him a perfect fit for a team looking to solidify its defense for the future. If the organization can make it work, Parayko would be a significant addition for a deep playoff run.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

The Maple Leafs are in a crucial battle for first place in the Atlantic, a spot they need to maintain for an easier path to the second round of the playoffs. If they fall to second, they’ll likely face one of the Florida teams, the Panthers or the Lightning. This makes tonight’s game in Boston even more significant.

A win in Boston could be another step toward keeping the division lead while potentially putting the Bruins in a problematic playoff position. With both teams facing pivotal moments in their seasons, the outcome of this game could have implications for both teams’ playoff hopes.