4 Players the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Trade As Soon As Possible
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a precarious position as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, and while conventional wisdom suggests they should adopt a seller's mentality, the likelihood of such a strategy seems dim.
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear poised to persist with their current roster, attempting to secure a Stanley Cup despite glaring issues in their defensive core and goaltending situation.
Unfortunately, this stubborn approach may result in a quick exit from the playoffs, casting a shadow over Brad Treliving's inaugural season as the general manager.
The decision to replace Kyle Dubas as the Leafs GM, despite assembling one of the most formidable rosters in recent history, has proven to be a fateful one. Rather than continuing the trend of appointing astute and youthful executives, the Leafs opted for Treliving, whose track record includes constructing merely average rosters that underperformed, evident as recently as last season.
4 Players the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Trade As Soon As Possible
While Dubas may not have steered the Leafs beyond the Second Round, he consistently provided the team with a competitive edge.
His adept signings for the bottom-six positions were nothing short of spectacular, and there were indications that he was prepared to overhaul the roster in the upcoming summer, given the opportunity. Regrettably, the current regime has opted to maintain the status quo, leaving fans with a sense of stagnation.
In light of these challenges, a decisive move is imperative for the Leafs. Whether it involves a substantial upgrade to the existing roster or a complete overhaul, the urgency to make strategic trades is evident. The team cannot afford to squander another season of brilliance from Auston Matthews, who is undoubtedly in the prime of his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
With this in mind, here are four players the Leafs should consider trading to catalyze the necessary changes.
No. 1: TJ Brodie
Brodie currently commands a $5 million AAV with just one year remaining on his contract—a development that may bring relief to Leafs fans given his perceived decline in performance.
Although his initial seasons with the organization showcased his prowess as a solid addition to the top-six, it has become evident that he may not be the ideal fit for the role of a second defenseman on a team aspiring to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Complicating matters is Brodie's modified no-trade clause, which includes a 10-team trade list.
This restriction makes the task of trading him to a preferred destination challenging. However, given the current cap-space needs for the Leafs championship aspirations, moving Brodie becomes a necessary step.
While the $5 million price tag may present a hurdle, the silver lining is that the contract expires after this season, making it a potential attractive option for teams in need of temporary defensive help.
Exploring the possibility of a trade, one intriguing scenario could involve sending Brodie (plus more) back to Calgary for Noah Hanifin. Brodie's prior association with the Flames might make him amenable to a return, and there's potential for negotiations around a contract extension at a more budget-friendly figure.
This move could prove mutually beneficial for both parties, especially if the Leafs include sweeteners in the deal, such as draft picks or prospects.
Regardless of the player acquired in exchange, shedding Brodie's $5 million would significantly alleviate the financial strain on the Leafs' roster. This financial relief is especially crucial given the current struggles and perceived inadequacies in the team's defensive lineup. By parting ways with Brodie, the Leafs have an opportunity to inject much-needed resources into strengthening their blue-line, which is currently underperforming and in need of urgent attention.
Hopefully the team can find a way to make this player disappear, but based on his previous relationship with Brodie, I feel like Treliving may want to keep him on the roster for the rest of the season.
No. 2: Nick Robertson
If Nick Robertson isn't going to be given the playing time he merits, it might be in the best interest of both the player and the team to consider exploring trade options. In 27 games, Robertson has demonstrated his offensive prowess with seven goals and 13 points, numbers that could undoubtedly soar with increased and more meaningful ice time.
Despite his potential, he has yet to secure a spot in the top-six lineup for reasons not entirely clear.
Matthew Knies, with his eight goals and 17 points, has been allocated more ice time per game, albeit with a slightly lower point-per-minute production compared to Robertson.
Considering Knies' proficiency on the forecheck, there could be an opportunity to place him in a third-line role, creating space for Robertson to elevate his game alongside high-caliber players like Matthews, Marner, Tavares, or Nylander.
Unfortunately, Sheldon Keefe's apparent reluctance to deploy Robertson in more significant roles, evident in occasional healthy scratches and limited ice time, raises concerns. Robertson's offensive strengths are best utilized in an offensive role and with considerable power-play time, which has been lacking in his current deployment.
Given Robertson's potential and the likelihood of multiple NHL teams valuing him highly, exploring the trade market could be a prudent move for the Leafs. Addressing this situation before Robertson becomes discontented and potentially seeks a trade himself is crucial to maintaining his trade value. While it's not ideal to part ways with a promising talent, leveraging Robertson in the trade market could yield valuable assets, possibly helping to address the team's defensive needs or securing a reliable third-line center.
In the end, the Leafs should carefully weigh the potential benefits of retaining Robertson with increased playing time against the value he could bring in a trade. If his current usage pattern persists, exploring trade options may be a necessary step to ensure both the player and the team can maximize their potential.
No. 3: Ryan Reaves
The acquisition of Ryan Reaves sparked excitement among fans, until it was discovered that the team signed the enforcer to a three-year deal at $1.3M AAV.
Enforcers of Reaves' age typically don't secure multi-year deals, especially when their effectiveness and goal-scoring capabilities are in decline. The decision to extend Reaves for three years seemed unconventional and, in hindsight, has proven to be a terrible decision.
Reaves' performance in the first half of the season did not meet expectations, and he found himself on the Injured Reserve, despite being reportedly recovered. The Leafs eventually reinstated him to the roster, but the circumstances surrounding his time on the IR raised eyebrows, leading to speculation about the team's intentions.
Considering the less-than-ideal start and the puzzling contract duration, it has become evident that the Ryan Reaves experiment has not panned out as expected. The Leafs now face the challenge of finding a solution to move his contract. While it may be a difficult task given Reaves' performance and the terms of his deal, exploring options, even if it involves offering a seventh-round pick or a lower-tier prospect, could be a necessary step.
The $1.3 million committed to Reaves could potentially be reallocated to address other roster needs, making it imperative for the Leafs to reassess this situation. The prospect of Reaves being effective in the 2025-26 season seems dubious, prompting scrutiny of the decision-making process led by Treliving. Moving forward, the Leafs need to carefully evaluate their roster decisions to ensure that contracts align with player performance and team objectives.
No. 4: Mitch Marner
Recently, my article titled "I Hope the Leafs Miss the Playoffs This Year" received considerable backlash. For those who maintain an optimistic view, the idea of deliberately wishing the team to miss the playoffs during the core-four's prime might seem unfounded.
However, my argument is straightforward — for real change to occur, the Leafs need a significant shake-up. Without such a drastic event, the team might continue with the status quo of players and staff, hindering their chances of reaching the next level.
The NHL tends to shy away from big blockbuster trades involving superstars, which stands in contrast to the NBA's more dynamic approach. The NBA regularly witnesses star players like Kevin Durant changing teams, a scenario less common in the NHL, where Hall-of-Fame players usually spend the majority of their careers with one or two franchises.
This difference in trading culture between the two leagues sets the stage for exploring bold moves, leading us to the topic of Mitch Marner's potential trade.
Mitch Marner is an exceptional talent, unquestionably ranking among the top 20 players in the league. His outstanding edge-work, hockey IQ, penalty-killing proficiency, and consistent scoring make him a valuable asset on any team. However, as hockey enthusiasts know, having the best player doesn't guarantee success in this true team sport.
Unlike the NBA, where a star player's impact is more singular due to their presence on the court for a more significant portion of the game, hockey relies on collective effort. Unfortunately, Marner's hefty contract ($10.93M AAV) has become a burden on the Leafs' roster, and the situation is poised to worsen if he re-signs in the 2025-26 season.
Considering the financial implications, trading Marner could free up significant cap space for the Leafs, already allocating substantial amounts to Auston Matthews and William Nylander. This strategic move could not only fetch an incredible return in trade but also address pressing needs across the entire roster, a change that many argue is overdue.
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While the prospect of such a trade might seem unlikely given the cautious nature of hockey general managers, I believe it represents the easiest solution to propel the Leafs forward. Whether or not this bold move materializes remains to be seen, but in my view, it offers a straightforward path to instigate the much-needed change within the team.