Maple Leafs News and Rumors: Injury Updates, Maccelli Trade Talk, and Targets

The Toronto Maple Leafs were just 1:25 away from winning their fifth game in six on Thursday night before John Klingberg spoiled the party and Alex Wennberg subsequently finished it in overtime. Despite the loss, vibes remain high in Toronto after extending their point streak to six straight games as they continue to climb up the Eastern Conference standings, now just two points back of a wild-card spot.

---

They’ll look to make it seven straight with at least a point — ideally two — on Saturday night against Tristan Jarry (maybe?) and the Edmonton Oilers. But will they get any injury reinforcements? Speaking of reinforcements, what’s the latest trade buzz around the Maple Leafs and who are some potential targets?

We’ll dive into it all in the latest edition of Maple Leafs news and rumors.

Injury Updates Good and Bad

It remains a lengthy list of injuries in Toronto, with some of the updates being more positive than others.

Let’s start with the most recent of them all, as Oliver Ekman-Larsson appears to have escaped anything serious and could test out his injury on Saturday, with a chance to potentially suit up against the Oilers, much better news than anyone could have expected. Marshall Rifai is a possibility slot in and make his season debut should OEL need the night off.

In other news on defense, Brandon Carlo had surgery back on December 3rd, and will remain out for an extended period of time. Chris Tanev had testing done on Wednesday, but is waiting for a second opinion to determine a possible return timeline. Lastly, Dakota Mermis is set to miss about a month with a lower-body injury as a result of the hit he took from Gage Goncalves on Monday night against Tampa Bay.

Now onto the goaltenders, starting with Joseph Woll, who said on Friday he’s feeling better but still isn’t expecting to be available on Saturday night, perhaps leaving the door open for a Tuesday night return against Chicago. Meanwhile, the updates on Anthony Stolarz haven’t been as positive, as he still isn’t close to getting back on the ice, which led Craig Berube to be asked about his season being in jeopardy, somewhere he wasn’t willing to go.

What’s New on the Trade Front

General manager Brad Treliving was itching to make moves just a few weeks ago, but now that his Maple Leafs have found their game, the trade chatter has quieted down in a big way.

That being said, one name that’s emerged in the rumor mill is Matias Maccelli, who’s been a healthy scratch eight times already throughout his first season in Toronto. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman says to keep an eye on Maccelli, mentioning the Boston Bruins as a potential landing spot given they had interest in the 25-year-old this summer.

One more note, the longest tenured Maple Leaf, Morgan Rielly, appeared on Greg Wyshynski of ESPN’s trade board, listed in the shocking possibilities tier. He mentions that while Rielly has had some good moments this season, Toronto could look to move him if they decide to shake up their blue line in search of a true number one. His full no-movement clause will always be an obstacle if any attempt to make such a blockbuster.

Potential Targets Via Trade or Waivers

The Maple Leafs could look to bring Mason Marchment back into the organization more than six years after he began his career with a brief four-game stint in Toronto. Friedman says teams will be in pursuit of the 6’5″, 212-pound winger, but it will have to wait until Jaden Schwartz is back from injury.

Andrew Mangiapane is another name that hasn’t been an ideal fit with his new squad in Edmonton, and could be a target thanks to his familiarity with Brad Treliving from their days in Calgary.

Finally, given how much of a smashing success claiming Troy Stecher off waivers has been, keep an eye on Matt Dumba who was just waived by Pittsburgh as another potential low-risk pickup.

Next: Analyst Believes Brady Tkachuk Has Eyes on the Philadelphia Flyers