The Maple Leafs’ Could Have Been Disastrous Trade Mistake

Sometimes the best trade a team makes is the one that never happens. Toronto Maple Leafs fans might want to keep that thought in mind when looking back at Brad Treliving’s attempt to improve Toronto before the 2025 NHL trade deadline. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the St. Louis Blues wanted Easton Cowan, defenceman prospect Ben Danford, and something else — potentially a draft pick — in exchange for Brayden Schenn.

That is a pretty hefty price. And when you look at where things stand today, it is fair to wonder whether Toronto dodged a bullet. Friedman discussed the situation on his 32 Thoughts podcast, drawing on reporting from Nick Kypreos and information he had gathered himself. Friedman is a respected NHL insider, and his reporting gives this story some real weight.

One important distinction, though: the Blues reportedly wanted that package. That doesn’t mean Treliving agreed to give it up. But if he considered it, Maple Leafs fans should be happy it never came off.

Toronto Was Already Spending Heavily to Improve Its Playoff Chances

Remember what the Maple Leafs did at that deadline? They acquired Scott Laughton from Philadelphia and Brandon Carlo from Boston, surrendering valuable draft and prospect assets to strengthen their playoff chances. Those were not cheap additions. In the process, Fraser Minten was lost to the team.

Now imagine adding Cowan and Danford to the bill, along with another asset, to bring in Schenn. Suddenly, the cost of that deadline push starts looking frighteningly high. That’s no knock on Schenn. He’s a good player and a proven winner. Toronto wanted more toughness and experience for a playoff run, and you can understand the attraction. The Maple Leafs were trying to solve immediate problems, not build a team for five years down the road.

But there is a difference between paying a premium for help and paying so much that you leave yourself with very little room to grow.

What Would Toronto Have Left?

Cowan is the obvious name here. He has become an important part of the Maple Leafs’ plans, and his recent play has made him look like a valuable piece of the team’s future. Right now has scored five goals and added seven assists in 13 games and has become a solid addition to the team’s first line. The organization should be reluctant to move him. Danford is another young asset Toronto would have surrendered before finding out what he could become.

Nobody can say either prospect will turn into an elite star. That is the gamble with every young player. But so far so good. You don’t want to give away two promising pieces and a pick without being pretty sure the return is worth it. And Schenn alone wasn’t going to fix everything wrong with Toronto.

Looking Back, It Was a Scary “What If” Scenario the Maple Leafs Dodged

The interesting thing is that the Maple Leafs were already willing to spend heavily on Laughton and Carlo. Had they also paid St. Louis’ reported asking price, the organization could have sacrificed a substantial part of its future for one more veteran.

We don’t know whether Treliving seriously considered paying that full price. We do know what the Blues reportedly wanted. Sometimes, that is enough to appreciate the deal that didn’t get done. Toronto wanted to win now. Fair enough. But winning now shouldn’t mean giving away tomorrow, too.

Related: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Oilers & Hurricanes