Overall Synopsis
The Leafs did actually execute one more minor trade, as they acquired Reese Johnson from the Minnesota Wild for future considerations. Johnson had spent the bulk of his 2024-25 season with thei Wild’s AHL affiliate Iowa where he has posted 4 goals, 9 assists for 13 points in 49 total games played. But Johnson likely won’t be playing any role for the Maple Leafs this season and is destined for the Marlies, so we can consider that move as being negligible.
So taking a look at the overall trade picture, the Maple Leafs was able to complete their deadline checklist in getting the much-needed depth at center with Laughton and proven defenseman depth with Carlo.
Both players will definitely help out in one way or another in making the team better, given their breadth of experience. Also, the departures of Dewar and Timmins shouldn’t hurt the Leafs too much other than losing some insurance depth.
Potentially losing their two first round picks from 2026 and 2027 will sting, but to legitimately go for the Stanley Cup, the Leafs had to take the chance on it.
However, with many hoping that the Leafs to finally make a huge splash for a player or players that could actually be game changers, they certainly dropped the ball on that, with Mikko Rantanen going to Dallas and Brad Marchand landing with Florida.
Toronto had their opportunity but failed to capitalize on it. As a result, the eventual trades that they made were safe moves by Treliving, but for the Leafs to have any success in the playoffs, just Laughton and Carlo won’t be able to single-handedly take over a game on their own like a Rantanen or Marchand could.
Thus, they will need their usual core to step up to go along with these complementary pieces that they have added in order to have any chance of winning. Otherwise, it will be another early playoff once again for the buds in blue and white.
Overall Grade: B