Maple Leafs Trade Deadline: Who’s Most Likely to Be Moved?

The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t in rebuild mode ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, but they’re also not standing pat. With the playoffs no longer the immediate focus, GM Brad Treliving appears positioned to recoup future assets and set up a summer retool—without detonating the core.

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At the top of the stay-put list are franchise pillars Auston Matthews and William Nylander, whose presence keeps Toronto’s competitive window technically open. Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, Jake McCabe, Chris Tanev, John Tavares, and Joseph Woll also fall firmly into the “almost certainly staying” category, whether due to age, contract structure, no-trade protection, or sheer on-ice importance.

Where things get interesting is the group most likely to be moved.

Who Could Be Traded from the Maple Leafs?

Scott Laughton stands out as one of Toronto’s most obvious trade chips. The Maple Leafs paid a premium to acquire him last year and will be eager to recoup value, ideally in the form of a first-round pick or equivalent prospect. It’s hard to imagine they’ll get that kind of return.

Laughton’s versatility, penalty killing, and faceoff success make him a classic playoff target, but the prices teams pay for that kind of addition are frequently less than the selling team would hope to get.

Bobby McMann may never have more trade value than he does right now. The 29-year-old is enjoying a career year, has top-line experience, elite speed, size, and an expiring contract with a bargain $1.35 million cap hit. While his quiet playoff showing last spring could temper interest, contenders will be calling. Expect the Leafs to get a good return here if they choose to move him.

Calle Järnkrok is another likely departure. His production has cratered, but his experience, relatively low cap hit, and expiring deal could still appeal to teams seeking depth for the stretch run. The Maple Leafs shouldn’t expect much here. They’ll be doing well just to shed his cap hit.

Among defensemen, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the name most often mentioned in the rumor mill. He checks plenty of deadline boxes—experience, versatility, term beyond this season, and a manageable cap hit. Toronto may prefer to keep him, but a strong offer, particularly a first-round pick, could force their hand.

Other names to monitor include Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers, Brandon Carlo, Nicolas Roy, Nick Robertson, and Troy Stecher, all of whom could be moved without shocking anyone.

Next: Maple Leafs Goalie Drawing Flyers Interest Amid Waiver Uncertainty