The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a challenging 2025-26 season, currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. This has led to speculation about potential trades to shake up the roster and improve their performance. While General Manager Brad Treliving has expressed reservations about trading their way out of the situation, he is reportedly gauging the market for potential deals. Several players have been mentioned as possible trade candidates, and certain teams could be ideal partners for a roster-for-roster swap.
1. Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are a team in a different situation than the Maple Leafs, seemingly committed to a retooling process. This could make them willing to part with established players for future assets or players who fit their long-term plans. Several Predators players could be of interest to the Maple Leafs.
- Steven Stamkos: While not the player he once was, Stamkos is a veteran with significant playoff experience and leadership qualities. If the Predators retain a portion of his $8 million cap hit, acquiring Stamkos could provide a boost to Toronto's bottom six. In return, the Maple Leafs could offer players like Max Domi, Nicholas Robertson, and Calle Jarnkrok, along with draft capital.
- Jonathan Marchessault: Marchessault is a consistent offensive producer with an affordable $5.5 million cap hit through the 2028-29 season. His name has been in trade speculation since signing with the Predators. Like with Stamkos, the Maple Leafs would need to move salary to accommodate Marchessault's contract.
2. Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are an up-and-coming team with a surplus of young talent, particularly on defense. They might be willing to trade from this area of strength to address other needs.
- Pavel Mintyukov: The Maple Leafs have shown interest in Mintyukov, a young, puck-moving defenseman who could address their struggles transitioning the puck out of their own zone. Mintyukov, a former 10th overall pick, is reportedly seeking a fresh start and could be a high-risk, high-reward acquisition for Toronto. The cost to acquire him wouldn't be low. However, there are risks involved, as Mintyukov's defensive game needs improvement.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with a logjam in their goaltending situation, with Tristan Jarry, Arturs Silovs, and Sergei Murashov all vying for playing time. They could look to trade one of their goalies to address their need for more scoring.
- Arturs Silovs: Silovs has played well this season and could fetch a valuable return. The Penguins acquired him for a fourth-round pick, but his performance might warrant a second-rounder in a trade. The Maple Leafs could offer a forward like Nick Robertson or Bobby McMann in exchange for Silovs.
The Maple Leafs need to carefully evaluate their options and identify teams that align with their needs and timeline. Trading Brandon Carlo could be an option as well, as right-shot defensemen are coveted around the league. However, moving Carlo would create a hole on the right side of the Leafs' defense. Ultimately, any trade will require Treliving to balance short-term gains with long-term considerations.
