Maple Leafs Trade Center Nicolas Roy to Avalanche for Conditional Picks

The deal includes a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick, with conditions.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded center Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a conditional 2027 first-round pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick. The first-round pick is contingent on the Avalanche's 2027 selection falling outside the top 10, otherwise Colorado will send their 2028 first-rounder unprotected. The fifth-round pick will be the lowest of three picks the Avalanche own in that round.

Why it matters

This trade allows the Maple Leafs to acquire valuable draft capital, while the Avalanche add a center with playoff experience to their roster as they push for another Stanley Cup run. The conditions on the picks add an extra layer of intrigue to the deal.

The details

Roy was in his first season with the Maple Leafs after being acquired in a sign-and-trade that sent Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. In 59 games with Toronto, Roy scored 5 goals and 20 points while averaging 14:45 of ice time. The 29-year-old center has 79 games of postseason experience, including a Stanley Cup win with the Golden Knights in 2023. The Avalanche will add Roy's $3 million cap hit to their books for this season and next.

  • The trade was completed on March 5, 2026, ahead of the NHL's trade deadline.

The players

Nicolas Roy

A 29-year-old center who was in his first season with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being acquired in a sign-and-trade.

Colorado Avalanche

An NHL team based in Denver, Colorado that has acquired Nicolas Roy in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs

An NHL team based in Toronto, Ontario that has traded center Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche.

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What they’re saying

“This trade allows us to add a proven playoff performer to our roster as we make another push for the Stanley Cup.”

— Joe Sakic, General Manager, Colorado Avalanche

“While we're sad to see Nicolas go, this deal gives us valuable draft capital that can help us improve the team in the long run.”

— Kyle Dubas, General Manager, Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s next

The Avalanche will look to integrate Nicolas Roy into their lineup as they make a playoff push, while the Maple Leafs will explore how to best utilize the draft picks acquired in this trade to strengthen their roster in the future.

The takeaway

This trade represents a classic win-win scenario, with the Avalanche adding playoff experience and the Maple Leafs acquiring valuable draft capital. The conditional nature of the picks adds an extra layer of intrigue, making this a compelling deal for both teams as they look to position themselves for success.