NHL

Maple Leafs Will See Some New Faces Post Trade Deadline

The Trade Deadline offers the Toronto Maple Leafs a chance to reshape their roster. Discover potential new faces for the team.

by
Ethan Braund
March 4, 2026

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a territory they have not been in quite some time. For the first time in nearly a decade, they are looking to sell at this year’s Trade Deadline. Not since the dark days of 2015-16, during the tank for Auston Matthew’s era, has a Leafs season felt like this.

The silver lining, however, is that shipping off some of the current players can give some new faces a chance with the big club. The Toronto Marlies are currently 7th in the Eastern Conference of the American Hockey League. Despite the mediocre standing, there are still a few players who might get the call to the NHL.

Marlies May Give Some Meaning to the Back End of the Season

A name that many in the fanbase have a sense of optimism about is William Villeneuve, a right-handed defenseman.

Villeneuve, from Sherbrooke, PQ, was drafted by the Leafs 122nd overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He was called up to practice with the team just before their first game back post Olympic break. This season, Villeneuve has notched 20 points, down from 40 in 55 games last season.

The 23-year-old could fill the holes left by potential trades involving current Leafs defencemen like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Simon Benoit. Though if there is a trade where Villeneuve would slot in nicely, Brandon Carlo might be more likely. These trades could create a roster opening, giving the young defenceman a look with the big club.

Oliver Ekman Larsson Maple Leafs — Oliver Ekman-Larsson could still be traded by the Maple Leafs

Forwards Being Dealt Will Leave Room for Former College Hockey Free Agents

Insiders are pointing to many forwards who could also be moved. Those players are Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nic Roy. This leaves a slew of young Marlies forwards that could get the nod as well. A familiar face for some Leafs fans, Jacob Quillian, the former Quinnipiac University free agent, signed with the Leafs in 2024. He had a short stint with the Maple Leafs this year, failing to record a point, but was plus-2.

He has spent the rest of his time with the AHL’s Marlies, where he has put up strong numbers, potting 33 points in 38 games.

Another forward to look out for is Luke Haymes, who is playing his way to a post-deadline call-up. The 22-year-old college free agent signing has scored 8 goals in the last 10 games for the Marlies.

With playoffs being out of reach, short of a miracle turnaround, calling up young players and giving them valuable minutes with the big club would be a great way to salvage a season that seemingly feels lost.

Next: Laughton and McMann Talk Trade Rumors Out of Toronto