The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing mounting pressure to shake up their roster after a slow start to the 2025-26 season. With a current record of 8-8-2, sitting 6th in the Atlantic Division, the team is struggling to meet the high expectations set upon them. General Manager Brad Treliving is reportedly exploring options for "roster-for-roster" trades, aiming to improve the team's performance without sacrificing future assets. While the core players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies are likely off the table, several other players could be on the move.
Here are three players who might be traded to inject new life into the Leafs' lineup:
1. Brandon Carlo: Acquired at last year's trade deadline, the 28-year-old right-handed defenseman has struggled to find his footing in Toronto. Despite his current difficulties, Carlo's size (6-foot-5, 227 pounds) and reasonable $4.1 million contract for the next two years could make him an attractive asset for teams seeking defensive depth. The Maple Leafs have seen some significant struggles in the defensive group, with Morgan Rielly and Carlo being frustrating to watch. Moving Carlo would free up cap space and potentially bring in a player who better fits the team's needs.
2. Nick Robertson: The 24-year-old winger has been a frequent subject of trade rumors throughout his career with the Maple Leafs. Despite a strong start to the current campaign, his name continues to circulate in trade discussions. Robertson's offensive upside and relatively low $1.825 million cap hit make him an appealing option for many teams. The Maple Leafs might capitalize on his increased value to acquire a player who addresses more pressing needs, such as defensive help or improved bottom-six production. Some reports suggest that if a trade for Rasmus Andersson were to occur, Robertson could be part of the deal.
3. Calle Jarnkrok: As the Leafs look to create roster space and shed salary, Jarnkrok's name has surfaced as a potential trade candidate. With a $2.1 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list, moving Jarnkrok might present some challenges. However, his versatility and experience could be valuable to teams seeking a middle-six forward. Treliving had been trying to move Jarnkrok in earnest for much of the season.
Other players who have been mentioned in trade rumors include Max Domi and David Kampf. The Maple Leafs have already terminated Kampf's contract to free up cap space.
The Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in acquiring Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. However, the cost of acquiring Andersson could be high, potentially involving valuable assets like Matthew Knies or top prospect Easton Cowan. Some reports suggest that the Leafs are unwilling to trade Cowan or their 2028 first-round pick.
With limited cap space and a desire to improve the team's defense and depth, Treliving faces a challenging task in finding the right trades to shake up the Maple Leafs' roster.
