Toronto Maple Leafs Poised for Decade’s First Major ‘Sell’ at 2026 Deadline

TORONTO (Azat TV) – The Toronto Maple Leafs are signaling a significant strategic shift, preparing to become “sellers” at the upcoming March 6, 2026 NHL trade deadline for the first time in a decade. Facing an eight-point deficit for a playoff spot and an uninspired season, the franchise is reportedly exploring all options to retool its roster, restock vital draft capital, and shed problematic veteran contracts, according to reports from Sportsnet and Maple Leafs Hot Stove. This move marks a departure from recent strategies, aiming to rebuild the team’s prospect pool and create future flexibility.

Strategic Pivot Amid Playoff Disappointment

The decision to pivot to a selling strategy comes as the Maple Leafs find themselves eight points out of a playoff spot, with their division rivals consistently securing wins. This, coupled with the team’s generally uninspiring performance throughout the season, leaves the franchise with what many observers see as no real alternative. As Maple Leafs Hot Stove noted on February 1, 2026, the team “should be in sell mode at the trade deadline for the first time in a decade.”

This strategic shift, however, is not expected to involve a full-scale “rebuild” that would see the departure of star players Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Both players are protected by No-Movement Clauses (NMCs) and have significant term remaining on their contracts, making any immediate trade highly improbable. Instead, the focus is on a “retool,” aiming to enhance the team’s long-term competitiveness without dismantling its core.

Identifying Key Assets for Trade

The primary goals for the Leafs at the 2026 trade deadline are clear: to restock draft picks and young players, and to remove problematic veteran players, particularly those with existing contract terms. The team’s draft capital is currently depleted, with no first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, and only three selections in the upcoming draft (third-, fifth-, and seventh-round). This makes the acquisition of draft picks an imperative, as highlighted by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who stated on Hockey Night In Canada that “Everybody sees the standings” and the need for the Leafs to regroup.

Several players are identified as potential trade candidates. Pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) like Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann are considered prime assets to move for draft stock. McMann, in particular, is expected to generate significant interest given his age (29), speed, physical play, and ability to contribute throughout the lineup. Other veterans with term, such as Nic Roy, Brandon Carlo, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (OEL), could also be moved to fetch additional draft picks or young prospects. The team is also reportedly open to trading one of its three goalies.

Maximizing Returns: Salary Retention and Contract Swaps

To maximize the return on their tradable assets, the Maple Leafs have two key tactics at their disposal. Firstly, they can utilize their three available salary retention slots. For players like OEL, with two years remaining at $3.5 million per season, or Roy, with another year at $3 million, retaining a portion of their salary can significantly increase their trade value to cap-strapped teams.

Secondly, the Leafs could explore taking back salary in return for their most marketable assets, a potentially more controversial but effective strategy. For instance, in a potential deal involving Bobby McMann, the Edmonton Oilers could be enticed to include a promising young player like Isaac Howard (a 2024-25 Hobey Baker winner with strong AHL numbers) if the Leafs agree to take on Andrew Mangiapane’s contract, which has been a hindrance to the Oilers. This strategy mirrors Montreal’s successful move with Sean Monahan, where they acquired a first-rounder for taking his contract and then flipped him for another first-rounder. Similarly, the Anaheim Ducks might consider a deal for Brandon Carlo if the Leafs take on Ryan Strome’s contract, addressing a right-shot defense need for Anaheim while shedding a veteran not in their plans.

Other potential scenarios include exploring trades with the Los Angeles Kings for Warren Foegele, the Dallas Stars for Ilya Lyubushkin or prospects like Mavrik Bourque, and the Carolina Hurricanes for Jesperi Kotkaniemi, all of which could involve taking on contracts to acquire younger talent or draft capital.

Shedding Roster Problems and Evaluating Youth

Beyond acquiring assets, a critical component of the Leafs’ deadline strategy involves shedding current roster problems to create flexibility and evaluate younger talent. Calle Jarnkrok is considered an “easy sell” for a modest return, opening up a roster spot for prospects like Jacob Quillan. Max Domi is also identified as a player to be moved, not necessarily for a maximized return, but to address a perceived “culture problem” within the team. His playoff scoring pedigree might still attract interest, even if salary retention is required.

Other players like Matias Maccelli, Nick Robertson, and Simon Benoit are also on the radar for potential moves. The goal is to make room for defensive prospects such as Henry Thrun and William Villeneuve, allowing the team to assess their potential for the upcoming season. While a move involving Morgan Rielly is anticipated, it is more likely to occur in the offseason rather than before the March 6 deadline. A decision on Scott Laughton’s future—either an extension or a trade—is also pressing, with the team weighing his value against collecting draft capital.

The decision to aggressively sell at the 2026 trade deadline reflects a stark acknowledgment of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ current competitive standing and the urgent need to address long-term roster health. This pivot, while potentially unpopular in the short term, prioritizes future flexibility and asset accumulation, aiming to establish a sustainable path to contention rather than pursuing incremental, short-sighted improvements.