Toronto Maple Leafs: Who Are the Biggest Trade Deadline Losers?

Oct 27, 2022; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Erik Kallgren (50) in overtime at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /

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The Toronto Maple Leafs had a pretty good trade deadline.

Even as someone who isn’t a particular fan of anything the Toronto Maple Leafs did in the last month, it’s hard to be too critical.

They added a Selke winning, Conn Smythe winning ex-superstar who is only 31 and who could easily regain those heights. The risk is really only in the opportunity cost, since the acquisition cost of Ryan O’Reilly was dirt cheap.

(Criticism of rental players is misplaced, as its better to have cap-space than the vast majority of players).

They also added Jake McCabe, who is one of the NHL’s best players at preventing shots in the crease area, a noted weakness of the player he is replacing (Rasmus Sandin).

While I wish the Leafs did something more in line with what I was hoping for, I’m going to give the professionals the benefit of the doubt (sagacious, I know!) and see what happens. I still think they are probably the NHL’s best team (along with Carolina who is also outperforming their shot and save percentages).

But which NHL Teams dropped the ball at the Trade Deadline? Two in particular jump to mind.

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