Maple Leafs Deadline Deals Yield Mixed Results

Toronto recouped some draft capital, but failed to make major moves

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a relatively quiet NHL trade deadline, failing to move several veteran players as expected. While they did manage to acquire a 2027 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and several other mid-round selections, the overall haul was seen as a disappointment. The team's inability to capitalize on the high prices some teams were paying for depth pieces was a letdown, though the Nic Roy trade with the Colorado Avalanche helped salvage the deadline.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs have been 'going for it' in recent years, depleting their draft capital. This deadline was an opportunity to recoup some of those lost picks, but the team was largely unable to move the players they had hoped to sell. The lack of a major shakeup leaves the Leafs with a roster that still needs to find its identity heading into the final stretch of the season.

The details

The Maple Leafs were unable to move players like Brandon Carlo, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Matias Maccelli, Troy Stecher, and Simon Benoit. Their lone significant move was trading Bobby McMann for a second and fourth-round pick, which was seen as a disappointment after reports of a higher asking price. They also traded Scott Laughton for a third-round pick that could turn into a second. The one bright spot was the Nic Roy trade with the Colorado Avalanche, which netted Toronto a first-round pick in 2027.

  • The NHL trade deadline was on March 3, 2026.

The players

Nic Roy

A forward traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Colorado Avalanche.

Bobby McMann

A forward traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a second and fourth-round pick.

Scott Laughton

A forward traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a third-round pick that could turn into a second.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will head into the 2026 NHL Draft with six picks spread across rounds three through six, after trading away their first and second-round selections. The team is actively 'tanking' in hopes of landing a top-five pick, which would belong to the Boston Bruins but is top-five protected.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' 2026 trade deadline was a mixed bag, as they were unable to capitalize on the high prices some teams were paying for depth pieces. While they did recoup some draft capital, the overall haul was seen as a disappointment, leaving the team with a roster that still needs to find its identity heading into the final stretch of the season.