Over the past decade, the Toronto Maple Leafs have always looking for a player who is going to boost their roster, and give them the best chance to win a Stanley Cup. They were very clearly buyers, attempting to acquire big-name players, and a bold move that will send shockwaves throughout the NHL. This year, however, Maple Leafs fans may need to prepare for something different.
As the Maple Leafs approach the March 6 trade deadline, signs are pointing to the team becoming sellers rather than buyers for the first time in a while. The Leafs sit in a place where nobody expected them to, they are six points out of the final wild card spot, and do not look like the team that won the Atlantic Division and pushed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, to a Game 7. The Leafs have spent the majority of their season chasing teams, trying to climb the standings, but with how packed it is, and how good teams are playing, it has been nearly impossible.
The reality of the dissapointing season
The uncertainty regarding the Leafs season is something fans have not been accustomed to since the Phil Kessel era. Over the past decade, the Leafs have been one of the best regular-season teams. holding the longest active playoff streak. Their recent play makes this even more difficult for Brad Treliving, as the Leafs are starting to show fight, as they won their last three games prior to the Olympic break. I don't believe this is enough for Treliving to change his mind and look at ways to improve their roster. A quick retool could be what the Leafs need. The feeling of missing the postseason should begin to sink in for fans, as the Leafs may find ways to move on from certain players and build for the future.
This mix of players has not worked, and with little to no assets, they can make a quick turnaround similar to what the Boston Bruins did just one campaign ago. The Leafs do not have a first-round pick until 2028 unless they finish in the bottom five in the NHL, which seems highly unlikely at this time. Brad Treliving has far fewer assets to work with than in years past. Last season, he was able to move draft picks and prospects; this year, he will be looking to acquire them back. They will listen to calls on Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and other pending free agents, but the price they are demanding could be far too much for teams to pull the trigger. The Leafs management staff will need to focus on smaller deals and tweaks that can help the team moving forward rather than now.
A weaker trade market emerges
With the trade market shaping up to be weaker than years past, this could work in the Maple Leafs favour. With stars such as Artemi Panarin already traded, and larger contracts on Steven Stamkos, Dougie Hamilton, and Brayden Schenn, teams will be looking to acquire cheaper, more affordable players that can contribute to their lineup. This lines up with the Maple Leafs pending free agents, as they are all players who can have an impact on the right team, which would add another layer of depth moving towards the playoffs. The Leafs have too many question marks surrounding their lineup this season to pull the trigger on one of these names. The Leafs will have to remain patient until the summer, and when they have a more predictable and realistic plan for next season.
Signalling where the Maple Leafs need to build
For a fanbase that is used to their team looking to acquire a big name to push their team over the edge, they will have to understand the new view of where the Maple Leafs are. Unless the Maple Leafs can go on a long win streak, the playoffs do not seem to be on the horizon, which will lead to them selling off players rather than trying to gain veterans to push this team towards a Stanley Cup. This trade deadline is about the future and their long-term plans, rather than the short-term.