NHL Rumors: Why the Toronto Maple Leafs Could Cash In Big in a Surprising Seller’s Market
When it comes to shake-ups in the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a fascinating crossroads. Despite their appetite for a trade that keeps their future assets intact, there’s a clear line drawn around the core players—stalwarts like Auston Matthews and William Nylander aren’t moving an inch. That said, the Leafs’ roster isn’t entirely off-limits; intriguing possibilities hover around names like Morgan Rielly, whose no-movement clause throws some mystery into the mix—could he be the key to landing a more dynamic defenseman such as Erik Karlsson or Dougie Hamilton? And let’s not overlook Max Domi or Brandon Carlo, each carrying their own no-trade exceptions, which adds layers of complexity and opportunity in a market that’s as cautious as it is competitive. Meanwhile, role players from Calle Jarnkrok to Dakota Joshua might be available, with some, like Nick Robertson, riding a hot streak that could entice suitors looking to snag value before it slips. It’s a delicate chess game unfolding against the backdrop of a seller’s market rife with hesitation and rare openings. For the Maple Leafs and the rest of the league, the coming weeks will test not just talent but the savvy and nerve of general managers looking to tip the scales in their favor.
A few players the Toronto Maple Leafs could look to move
Adam Proteau of The Hockey News: Elliotte Friedman reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs want to make a hockey trade, and not give away futures (picks or top prospects). The core and some key pieces aren’t going anywhere, and that group likely includes forwards Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, Nicholas Roy, Scott Laughton, and Steven Lorentz, defensemen Chris Tanev, Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and goaltenders Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll.
Defenseman Morgan Rielly has a no-movement clause, but would he consider waiving it? What about a Rielly for Erik Karlsson, or Rielly for Dougie Hamilton?
Forward Max Domi has a 13-team no-trade clause, and could be a trade option. Same with defenseman Brandon Carlo, who has an eight-team no-trade.
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Other forwards who could be made available include Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann and Dakota Joshua. Robertson has been playing well of late, so you could be selling high. The others are bottom six forwards that don’t have a lot of value.
It’s a seller’s market
Marco D’Amico of RG Media: There are teams that are dealing with injuries and are looking at the trade market, but it’s a seller’s market waiting for a mistake.
“Teams are waiting for someone to make a mistake and overpay for their players,” said the NHL source. “There are so few identifiable sellers at the moment.”
The cost to acquire a top-nine center would be very expensive and difficult, according to a source.
“Trading for a top-9 centre right now is going to be very costly, with so few realistically available,” continued the source. “The NHL’s parity in the standings makes it very difficult to add a player via trade without sacrificing from the current NHL roster.”
The Calgary Flames are one team that could have some options – Nazem Kadri, Rasmus Andersson, and Blake Coleman – but they don’t need to move them now unless they blown away with an offer, added the source.
NHL Rumors: Lots of Chatter But No Movement
The Toronto Maple leafs are looking for a top-four defenseman that has some offense. The Vancouver Canucks are looking for a second-line center. Teams are calling the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators to see if they want to do anything. The Blues would like to make a ‘hockey trade’ and improve their blue line.
A source said if Michael Misa plays his 10th game, they’ll need to move a contract, as they’re already at 50 contracts.
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