Maple Leafs’ 2026 Trade Deadline Strategy: Defining Their Sales Approach

Casey Halston

Published: February 1, 2026 11:31 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised for a significant shift in strategy as they approach the 2026 NHL trade deadline. Currently trailing eight points behind a playoff spot, the franchise finds itself evaluating its options, marking the first time in a decade that the team is likely to enter a sell mode. Understanding what this entails can set the foundation for their future.

Maple Leafs’ 2026 Trade Deadline Strategy: Defining Their Sales Approach

Assessing Rebuild vs. Retool

At the core of this strategy is a critical decision between a rebuild and a retool. A retool suggests retaining star players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, while a rebuild means moving them out. Despite ongoing discussions, it’s clear neither player is expected to be traded before March 6, 2026. Hence, the focus shifts to other potential trades.

Goals at the Trade Deadline

The Maple Leafs should center their efforts on two primary objectives:

Restock draft picks and young players.
Remove problematic veteran players, especially those with term left on their contracts.

Acquiring draft picks and youth is crucial as the Leafs struggle with an aging AHL roster and the absence of a first-round pick in 2025. The franchise aims to align its draft capital with league standards.

Potential Moves and Player Evaluations

Several veteran players might fetch valuable returns in the trade market. Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann, both pending unrestricted free agents, could be moved to recuperate draft picks. Additionally, players like Nic Roy and Brandon Carlo, alongside one of their three goalies, could generate interest.

Both McMann and Laughton are solid contributors. However, should market conditions present tempting offers, the Leafs must assess the value of retaining or trading them. McMann, in particular, stands out as a dynamic player likely to attract interest due to his skill set and affordability.

Creative Trade Tactics

The Leafs have avenues to maximize trade value by retaining salary on contracts. Currently possessing three retention slots, the organization can enhance returns for players while managing the cap space of potential trade partners. This flexibility is especially important given the financial constraints faced by various teams.

Exploring Salary Retention

For example, if McMann is targeted by teams like the Edmonton Oilers, the Leafs could explore retaining a portion of his salary to increase his trade value. By doing so, they may be able to secure a promising young player or additional draft picks.

Evaluating Roster Changes

In conjunction with these goals, the Leafs must also address existing roster challenges. Players such as Calle Jarnkrok and Max Domi are seen as candidates for trade. Jarnkrok, while not expected to yield significant returns, can free up a roster spot for younger talent like Jacob Quillan. Domi, despite his playoff experience, has shown inconsistency that may deter teams from seeking him out without cap relief.

Pursuing New Talent

The overarching strategy should focus on acquiring quality young players to invigorate the roster. Balancing current veterans with emerging talent is essential, especially to facilitate the development of younger players like Easton Cowan and Matthew Knies.

Concluding Thoughts on the Deadline

As the March 2026 deadline approaches, the Maple Leafs must approach their strategy with urgency and precision. A successful overhaul could result in the addition of promising young players, a replenished draft pool, and the offloading of veteran contracts. The success of this strategy can significantly influence the team’s trajectory, potentially transitioning them from a troubled season toward a more competitive future.