Sixteen games into the 2025-26 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly seeking to redefine their identity and address scoring struggles, potentially turning to the trade market for solutions. According to NHL insider Jeff Marek, Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, who was recently a healthy scratch, could inject skill and speed into the Leafs' lineup.
Marek highlighted Toronto's apparent lack of pace, suggesting that Kyrou could be a valuable addition. Kyrou, 27, is currently under an eight-year, $65 million extension with the Blues, signed in 2022, with six seasons remaining. So far this season, he has nine points (five goals, four assists) in 15 games, accompanied by a -7 rating.
The Maple Leafs have struggled to score goals this season, with the exception of William Nylander. General Manager Brad Treliving may need to make a move to revitalize the roster if the team's performance does not improve.
Several other players have been mentioned as potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs. Alex Tuch, a right winger for the Buffalo Sabres, is an intriguing candidate who could bring size and scoring. Bryan Rust from the Pittsburgh Penguins has also been mentioned frequently as potentially being on the trade block, as the Penguins might be looking to rebuild. Nazem Kadri, currently with the Calgary Flames, has also been linked to a possible return to Toronto.
Other names that have surfaced in connection with the Maple Leafs include Rickard Rakell, Evan Rodrigues, Dougie Hamilton, and Jason Robertson.
However, the Maple Leafs may need to part with valuable assets to acquire significant talent. Prospects like Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and Nick Robertson, as well as goaltending prospect Dennis Hildeby, could be of interest to other teams. Draft picks, such as the Leafs' first-round pick in 2028 and second-rounders in 2027 and 2028, could also be part of trade packages.
Some observers believe that the Maple Leafs are having difficulty trading players, as other teams may not value them as highly as the Leafs do. Center David Kampf, for example, has been buried in the minors due to roster and salary-cap constraints, and the team has been trying to find a new home for him. There was even discussion of a potential mutual contract termination.
The Leafs have also been mentioned in rumors involving Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann, with speculation about whether they could be trade candidates.
As the Maple Leafs navigate the season, their focus remains on finding the right pieces to improve their offense and contend for a Stanley Cup. Whether Kyrou or another player becomes the answer remains to be seen, but Treliving faces pressure to make impactful changes.
