Maple Leafs Only Looking at Specific Roster-For-Roster Trade

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in a situation where a move feels inevitable. 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, tensions are mounting, and a trade is on the horizon. But, it’s not a picks or prospects trade. The Maple Leafs aren’t looking for futures. No, GM Brad Treliving wants to make a roster-for-roster trade that will send an active NHLer out and bring an active NHLer in.

Friedman noted during his Saturday headlines report that the Maple Leafs don’t want to trade futures, including a player like Easton Cowan. They also aren’t looking to trade the central pieces of their core, including Auston Matthews or William Nylander. Instead, they want to make hockey trades, roster-for-roster, and explore their options.

Friedman doesn’t believe Nylander is on the hot seat, despite the frustration between the coach and the forward. He also reiterated that the Leafs are not talking about the other core guys. He said the question has become, “Who else has value that wouldn’t be part of the core?”

Who Might The Maple Leafs Trade Or Be Looking At?

There has already been talk that Rasmus Andersson is on their radar out of Calgary. It’s not clear what it would take for the Leafs to acquire him, but the cost would be great. Rumors of Matthew Knies being discussed in that deal are only speculative and likely a non-starter for Toronto.

The Maple Leafs have also been linked to Brayden Schenn out of St. Louis. They tried to acquire him last season in a trade that never materialized.

As for who the team would be willing to give up, Brandon Carlo‘s name is at the top of the list. Nick Robertson is also a player the Leafs are open to moving. Max Domi might be a player the Leafs are open to sending out if the right piece comes back. Leafs Nation writes, “Bobby McMann and Matias Maccelli are two other forwards who could be moved, but again, what’s the return? Neither winger is blowing the doors off to start the season, but have shown flashes of brilliance.”

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