Five Maple Leafs Named in Trade Discussions as Deadline Nears
The trade deadline is approaching, and the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves navigating a challenging situation. As they aim to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, discussions about potential trades have emerged, highlighting five players of interest.
Maple Leafs Trade Strategy
With the deadline just one week away, the Maple Leafs are poised to consider trades for the first time since 2014. Currently, they face a significant challenge, being eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the last wild-card position in the playoffs.
Current Standings and Performance
- The Maple Leafs are on the brink of ending their nine-season playoff streak.
- They recently returned from the Olympic break with two consecutive losses.
- Five teams currently sit between them and a playoff spot.
Players in Trade Discussions
Five Maple Leafs players are on the updated TSN Trade Bait board:
- Bobby McMann – No. 7
- Scott Laughton – No. 21
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson – No. 25
- Simon Benoit – No. 39
- Brandon Carlo – No. 42
Player Backgrounds
The Maple Leafs made significant investments in Laughton and Carlo at last season’s trade deadline. Laughton was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers for Nikita Grebenkin and a first-round pick. He currently has eight goals and 11 points over 41 games this season.
Carlo came from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Fraser Minten and a first-round pick. He has a cap hit of $3.485 million, and this season, he has recorded five assists in 36 games.
Both Grebenkin and Minten have actively participated in their respective seasons, posting notable statistics:
- Nikita Grebenkin: 4 goals, 12 points in 44 games.
- Fraser Minten: 14 goals, 29 points in 58 games.
Trade Talks and Future Prospects
Reports indicate ongoing contract negotiations for Laughton and McMann. If negotiations fail, both players might be traded. McMann, enjoying a career year, has netted 19 goals and tallied 32 points in 58 games.
For other players like Ekman-Larsson and Benoit, the Maple Leafs are seeking favorable conditions for any potential trades. TSN’s Chris Johnston mentioned that the management is not inclined to sell players indiscriminately.
- Simon Benoit: Signed through next season at a cap hit of $1.35 million, five assists in 36 games.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Under contract until 2027-28 with a $3.5 million cap hit, eight goals, and 35 points in 59 games.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Maple Leafs will host the Ottawa Senators in one of their final games before deciding on potential trades. Their strategies will play a crucial role in shaping the team for the rest of the season.
