
The consensus around the Toronto Maple Leafs is that they are a Boston Bruins retool away from getting back into contention next season. After winning three of four games on their recent road trip, some fans might be wondering why they still can’t contend this season, but it feels like they are still missing some pieces to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.
The Bruins weren’t afraid to trade some big pieces to their organization at last year’s trade deadline. Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo, Trent Frederic, and Charlie Coyle were among the names who’ve had success with the franchise but were essential moving pieces to change the look of the team. After seeing Carlo and Frederic’s performances with their respective teams, it’s looking more and more like savvy moves.
Speaking of Carlo, he is one of the pieces that Chris Johnston and James Mirtle labeled as a potential trade candidate for the Leafs at this year’s deadline, via The Athletic. Other names included Matias Maccelli, Max Domi, Morgan Rielly, Nick Robertson, Troy Stecher, and Anthony Stolarz.
The Maple Leafs would look like a much different team with all of these players heading out the door. It might be uncomfortable for Brad Treliving, but it could be just what the core of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies needs to start on a new page. Treliving has to be wary of his stars growing tired of the poor play and wanting out.
Rielly might be one of the most interesting names on the list. He is one of the longest tenured Leafs, but his play as of late has been a problem. Add in the recent winning streak with him out of the lineup due to an injury, and the noise will only continue to grow.
Trading Stolarz will also be difficult with the contract extension Treliving signed him to. The goaltender is great when he is on and healthy, but that hasn’t happened often enough for him in Toronto.
There is no easy answer for where Treliving can go from here with the Maple Leafs’ roster. Entering the Olympic break on a three-game win streak gives him more questions than answers as he tries to determine whether to be a buyer or seller.
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