Prospects/Picks
I feel the assets in this category are split into two tiers of value in descending order. The first being pieces that would be closer to holding the value of center pieces of returns. Pieces that would be "high pick or a prospect". The second would be pieces that would be add-ons to push a deal over the top, recent examples are Reid Schaefer who went from Edmonton to Nashville in the Mattias Ekholm trade, and David Edstrom in the Tomas Hertl and then Yaroslav Askarov trades.
Two firsts and two seconds
As of right now, the Maple Leafs hold their own 2026 and 2027 first round picks, and their second round picks in 2025 and 2027. Late first round picks are typically the most overvalued assets on the trade market and as such, should be able to fetch a good return.
Especially with the 2026 and 2027 drafts being seen as much deeper than the 2025 draft. If Treliving can leverage a first or second round pick to grab an impact player, he should.
Dennis Hildeby, G, 23, 1yr x ELC/Artur Akhtyamov, G, 23, 2yrs x ELC
Earlier in the year, insiders were claiming that the Leafs may be able to dangle one of Hildeby or Akhtyamov at the deadline to make a deal. Although the battered and beaten Leaf fan in me is telling me not to entertain a trade involving a young goalie, it is like the first round pick, if they can be the centerpiece to a trade netting an impact player, it should be pursued. At the very least, the Leafs should be willing to listen to offers on these goalies.
Easton Cowan, W/C, 19, 3yrs x ELC
Many have pointed out, myself included, that there was a large shift in Cowan's perception from a major reach on draft day to a steal in under a calendar year and is largely viewed as the team's top prospect.
Although the temperature has been toned down on him, especially after a mediocre World Juniors, he still has a Memorial Cup MVP and OHL Most Outstanding Player awards in his trophy case. He may not hit the heights of some of the best players to win those respective awards (Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, Alex DeBrincat, Jordan Kyrou, Wyatt Johnston etc.) but I think we can assume that he should at least become a solid NHL contributor capable of playing in a middle-six role. This projection holds value and as long as an NHL teams feels the same, he would be a desirable trade chip in Treliving's hand.
Fraser Minten, C, 20, 3yrs x ELC
Despite playing NHL games, I do think that Minten's trade value may be lower than Cowan's and thus I have him as the turning point in this list. Since his draft year, he has the perception of a player with a high-floor and a projectable game which many pin as a fourth or third line centre. Either way, his ceiling seems to be lower than Cowan which is why he is here.
The selling point with Minten is that he has played a chunk of NHL games and has played decently well. He is a smart player who in a few years should be a two-way player capable of chipping in, in a secondary offence role with some penalty killing responsibility. These players are always highly coveted and should give him at least some trade value to a team looking for some depth prospects.