NHL Rumours: Leafs Selling, Rielly Trade Clarity & Canadiens Buying

The Maple Leafs are going into the trade deadline as sellers, according to Chris Johnston. Rielly has been struggling this season and has been trending that way for a bit. He could still be a very valuable defenseman in the right role, but the clock may be ticking in Toronto.

Rielly has been quite productive over the past five seasons, though his defensive abilities and lack of a threatening shot from the point have frustrated many.

There may be some resistance from Rielly to waive his no-move clause, but there are always conversations that could be had, and some players could be convinced to do so.

The San Jose Sharks are reportedly interested, and the idea of Timothy Liljegren and a mid-round pick was suggested. There would certainly be other teams calling, but they could be hesitant based on the asking price.

David Pagnotta suggested that this kind of deal is something the Maple Leafs will wait until the summer to do, and ask him to waive then.

Benoit, McMann Lead Trade Interest from Toronto

Looking beyond Rielly, there are other players who could certainly be the centerpiece of some trade calls.

Of course, if Auston Matthews or William Nylander were available, they would be the biggest stories, but looking at realistic options, Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit may garner the most interest.

Both players make $1.35 million, with McMann set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and Benoit having one more season on his deal.

Pagnotta, on the same episode of The Sheet, suggested that a five-year deal with a $5 million average annual value could be what it takes to keep him in Toronto. Teams will likely be aware of what he is looking for on an extension, but he could be a prime candidate to be a rental.

The Maple Leafs have a lot of forward options who could be dealt. They still have a good team, and have shown they can contend, but it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see any of Calle Jarnkrok, Max Domi, Scott Laughton, Mattias Maccelli, or Nicolas Roy moved.

Canadiens Set as Buyers at Deadline

The Canadiens weren’t going to be selling at the 2026 Trade Deadline, and that was about the only thing anyone could agree on for a bit.

They were in conversations about many centres, but then were seemingly out. They keep coming up with some bigger players, but never seem too close. Now, after a dominant 4-0-1 finish before the Olympic break, they could be cemented in the buyers category.

As I wrote last weekend, Patrik Laine could be a piece on the move, and they are likely out on bringing in another winger. With centres Vincent Trocheck, Nazem Kadri, and Charlie Coyle being talked about, any of them would make sense, but they could also look at bringing in a goaltender if the opportunity becomes available.

Jesper Wallstedt would be a great add, but they are likely going to be looking at moving future assets like picks and prospects rather than roster players, which the Minnesota Wild would be looking for.

Regardless of what path they take, the players have shown general manager Kent Hughes that they deserve additions to the lineup and earned their place as buyers.