The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly engaged in active trade talks as General Manager Brad Treliving looks to "get off the money" and potentially re-shape the roster. With the team off to a somewhat underwhelming start to the 2025-26 season, Treliving is exploring options to improve the team's performance and address specific needs.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the Maple Leafs are actively trying to trade forwards David Kampf and Nick Robertson. For Kampf, the primary motivation is to free up cap space. Kampf, a veteran forward, is currently playing in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. While he is a reliable depth option, the Maple Leafs believe that the $2.4 million cap hit associated with his contract could be better utilized elsewhere on the roster. By moving Kampf, the Leafs would free up a significant chunk of money that could be used to acquire other players or address other needs.
The situation with Nick Robertson is more nuanced. While the Maple Leafs are open to trading the young forward, they are seeking a player of similar age and potential in return. Robertson, who has shown flashes of top-six potential, has been inconsistent in his role with the team. He has moved between the top line and healthy scratch status, indicating uncertainty about his long-term fit with the Maple Leafs. Despite his potential, Robertson has been the subject of trade rumors for several seasons, and he had even requested a trade during the 2024 offseason.
Several factors contribute to the Maple Leafs' desire to "get off the money." The team is facing a salary cap penalty for the 2025-26 season. While the penalty is a relatively small sum of $625,230, every dollar counts for teams like the Maple Leafs that are close to the salary cap. The NHL's salary cap is projected to be $95.5 million for the 2025-26 season. As of August 13, 2025, the Maple Leafs had just over $1.9 million in available cap space with 23 rostered players. According to PuckPedia, the Maple Leafs have a projected cap space of -$727,962.
In addition to creating cap space, the Maple Leafs are also looking to bolster their roster. The departure of Mitch Marner has left a void in the team's top-six forward group, and Treliving has been actively searching for a replacement. While the team has explored various options, including a potential reunion with Nazem Kadri, no deal has materialized. The Maple Leafs are particularly interested in adding a top-six center, but they may also consider moving John Tavares to the wing to accommodate a new addition.
Several players have been identified as potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs. Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins is one option. The Penguins are reportedly looking to rebuild and may be willing to trade Rakell, who can provide offense and physicality. Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres is another potential target. Tuch is a skilled and physical player who could add a significant presence to the Maple Leafs' top-six.
As the Maple Leafs navigate the trade market, they are also mindful of their existing roster. The team has a solid core of players, including Auston Matthews and William Nylander, who are signed to long-term contracts. The Maple Leafs also have a number of promising young players, such as Matthew Knies, who are expected to play key roles. Treliving will need to balance the desire to improve the team with the need to maintain a strong foundation for the future.
