The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a precarious position as the 2025-26 NHL season progresses, with trade talks swirling around key players amidst a backdrop of disappointing performances. The team's struggles have been amplified by injuries and an inability to find consistency, leading to increased speculation about potential roster changes. Two players, in particular, have become the focus of trade rumors as their performance has not met expectations.

Brandon Carlo's Disappointing Tenure

Acquired at the 2025 trade deadline in exchange for prospect Fraser Minten and a first-round pick, defenseman Brandon Carlo has failed to live up to the hopes of becoming a reliable top-pairing partner for Morgan Rielly. While Carlo possesses size and the ability to log significant minutes, his play has been underwhelming, especially considering his $4.1 million cap hit. According to Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, there were discussions to potentially include Carlo in trades involving JJ Peterka or Bowen Byram over the summer. Despite the struggles, some teams may still find Carlo attractive due to his right-handed shot, relatively young age of 28, and the fact that Boston is covering a portion of his salary. The Maple Leafs explored trading Carlo last offseason, but couldn't find the right deal.

Morgan Rielly's Name Surfaces in Trade Discussions

Adding to the uncertainty, Morgan Rielly, the longest-serving member of the Maple Leafs, has also found his name mentioned in trade rumors. Despite a slight offensive resurgence, concerns remain about his overall game. GM Brad Treliving had set major expectations for Rielly this summer, but it seems those haven't been met. With a $7.5 million AAV and a full No-Movement Clause (NMC), Rielly controls his destiny. However, there's a growing sentiment that a fresh start might benefit both the player and the team. NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed that Rielly's name has recently entered the trade conversation.

Team Woes and the Search for Solutions

The Maple Leafs' struggles extend beyond individual player performances. The team is currently at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 9-10-3 record. The Leafs have lost seven of their last eight games. Off-season additions Dakota Joshua and Mattias Maccelli have also failed to make a significant impact, leaving the team searching for answers. Injuries to key players like Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies have further compounded the team's problems, although they are now returning to the lineup.

Possible Trade Scenarios

Rumors are circulating about potential blockbuster trades, including one involving Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks, with Matthew Knies and draft picks potentially going the other way. Other trade ideas involve Carlo in deals with teams like Nashville and Pittsburgh. The team may be looking to shake things up significantly, with some suggesting that even core players like Auston Matthews could be on the move if the Leafs and Oilers are out of contention by the trade deadline.

As the Maple Leafs navigate this challenging period, General Manager Brad Treliving faces crucial decisions about the team's future. Whether it involves trading key players like Carlo and Rielly or making other significant moves, the coming weeks will likely be pivotal in shaping the team's direction.