As the March 6th NHL trade deadline approaches, and with the Olympic break from February 4th to 22nd looming, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a position they haven't occupied in nearly a decade: potential sellers. Sitting outside the playoff picture, General Manager Brad Treliving may be considering which assets could bring back valuable returns in terms of draft picks and prospects. While names like pending UFA Bobby McMann have been circulating heavily in trade rumors, let's delve into some less obvious Leafs who might also find themselves on the move.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D)
Acquired to provide stability and experience on the blue line, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has become a "crucially malleable member" of the Leafs' defense core. With two years remaining on his contract at a reasonable $3.5 million AAV, "OEL" could be an attractive option for teams seeking a veteran defenseman who can still contribute effectively. While Treliving might prefer to keep him as part of a retool, a "scorched earth" approach could see the Leafs "sell high" on the 34-year-old.
Max Domi (LW)
Despite his offensive capabilities, Max Domi's defensive shortcomings are well-documented. However, his playmaking abilities and versatility make him a valuable asset. With term left on his contract (through 2027-28) and a reasonable cap hit of $3.75 million, Domi could be a worthwhile addition for a team looking to add scoring depth and grit. The Leafs might be willing to part with him to acquire future assets.
Anthony Stolarz (G)
The Maple Leafs currently have a crowded crease with Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and the emergence of Dennis Hildeby, along with prospect Artur Akhtyamov developing in the AHL. Stolarz, while a capable goaltender, is the oldest and carries the highest cap hit of the group. He could be expendable as the Leafs look to solidify their goaltending situation for the future. Moving Stolarz would provide clarity and potentially bring back a valuable asset.
Simon Benoit (D)
A rugged, physical defenseman, Simon Benoit has provided a needed dose of toughness to the Leafs' blue line. Known for his open-ice hitting and shot-blocking, Benoit is a valuable depth defenseman on a reasonable contract that extends through next season. Should the Leafs fall further out of contention, Benoit could be a logical trade candidate, potentially fetching a mid-round pick.
Nick Robertson (RW)
Nick Robertson's name has been mentioned in trade rumors for a while. Despite showing flashes of offensive potential when given opportunities, he has struggled to find consistent success at the NHL level. With Robertson being a pending RFA, the Leafs might explore moving him to acquire a player who better fits their long-term plans.
The McMann Factor
It's worth noting that the potential trade of Bobby McMann could significantly influence the Leafs' approach to the deadline. McMann's combination of speed, size, and scoring ability makes him a highly sought-after commodity, potentially fetching a significant return. Several teams are rumored to be interested, including the Edmonton Oilers, and the return could be comparable to the Kiefer Sherwood trade, which saw Vancouver receive two second-round picks and a minor league defenseman. The Leafs' approach to the trade deadline will depend on their performance in the coming weeks and Treliving's assessment of the team's long-term direction. Whether they opt for a full-scale rebuild or a more moderate retool, moving some of these "names beyond the obvious" could provide valuable assets for the future.
