Latest Trade gives Toronto Maple Leafs a two-year window

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in win-now mode this season, but their most recent trade has now set them up for a two-year window. I don’t know about you, but I think the Toronto Maple Leafs actually have a chance to win a playoff round this year.

Over the past two weeks, the team has acquired Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari, Sam Lafferty and Jake McCabe. Some of those moves are bigger than others, but all four players are going to be on the roster when Game 1 of the playoffs starts. You only have 18 skaters, so 22 percent of the roster will be different than we expected, just two weeks ago, which is a big deal.

Kyle Dubas, who’s currently without a contract for the 2023-24 season, deserves an extension immediately for these moves, even if they don’t work out. On paper, he’s continued to improve his roster drastically and this team is built to win now. Building a roster takes time and it sometimes takes a few tries to work. And, as it looks right now, this team looks primed to make a Stanley Cup run.

Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup run is now two years

Auston Matthews was drafted eight years ago, which is hard to believe. However, his future is unknown after 2024, so the Leafs only have a two-year window to win a Stanley Cup.

Based on the moves that Dubas made over the past two weeks, he’s now given the core roster their best chance at winning a playoff round and a Stanley Cup in the Matthews Era. Speaking of Matthews, he’s having a “down year” and the team is still a top-four team in the NHL.

That’s great news because it almost certainly means his best hockey is ahead of him, in the playoffs.

Making a big splash at the Deadline is important for any Cup contender, but trading for players with the term is even more important, especially for Toronto who’s currently in a window. Getting McCabe at only $2M until 2025 is an absolute steal because he can play in the team’s top four.

Lafferty is also signed until 2024 and his versatility will fit well in the team’s bottom six. His speed is his biggest attribute and he’ll be able to play centre or wing on the team’s third or fourth-line.

Who knows if the team is finished yet, but there’s still one addition we’ve yet to see, which could be the difference-maker. Matthew Knies will almost certainly be on the roster come playoff time and his skillset could put this team over the edge.

Even without any NHL experience, there’s no reason to believe that he can’t contribute, especially alongside Toronto’s high-end skill.

We’ll have to wait and see but the Toronto Maple Leafs’ latest moves have at least bought them one more year in their quest to finally win a Stanley Cup.