As the Olympic break approaches, the roster freeze begins, and ultimately the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain one of the most aggressive and closely watched teams in the league. With injuries on the blue line on the rise and the desire to take action, Toronto has been linked to several notable names in recent weeks.
It’s unclear if any of these trades have legs, but here’s a look at the players most often linked to the Maple Leafs.
Following the trade of Rasmus Andersson, attention in Calgary has shifted to Nazem Kadri and whether the Flames could consider moving the veteran center. The Flames are in no rush and Kadri has expressed a preference to stay in Calgary. Still, his desire to compete for another Stanley Cup has kept the rumor mill going.
TSN Insider Darren Dreger reports this that Toronto, Montreal, Colorado, Los Angeles and Dallas have all expressed interest. A reunion with the Maple Leafs would be a fascinating storyline, especially given Kadri’s physical upside and playoff experience. This reunion has been talked about for months.
The 35-year-old has 34 points in 49 games during an offensive season and is in year four of a seven-year, $49 million contract.
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Chris Tanev’s potentially season-ending injury has left Toronto with a hole on the right side of the defense, and Brandon Montour is an intriguing fit. Nick Kypreos pitched recently expresses the idea, noting that the Maple Leafs have pursued Montour in the past. His ability to log heavy minutes, run the offense and quarterback a power play makes him an ideal target.
The challenge is the costs. Montour is under contract for five more seasons at $7.14 million per year, and the acquisition will almost certainly require top players like Easton Cowan or Ben Danford, along with draft capital. Still, Montour’s offensive upside could make him worth the gamble for a team that is running out of time with its current core.
The veteran market is heating up and Luke Schenn has emerged as a practical, cheaper option for Toronto. With an expiring contract and a $2.75 million cap hit, Schenn would be an easy addition to a Leafs team looking for toughness and reliability. The Winnipeg Jets could be sellers if they don’t climb back into the playoff mix.
Insiders have suggested that a third stint in Toronto is very much in play, especially given Schenn’s strong chemistry with Morgan Rielly during the 2023 playoff run. He wouldn’t solve Toronto’s puck-moving issues, but he would add stability and physical presence to a depleted blue line at a reasonable price.
Perhaps the most ambitious name associated with Toronto is Dougie Hamilton. The Leafs have reportedly expressed interest in the Devils defenseman, although cap restrictions remain the biggest hurdle. Hamilton has a cap hit of $9 million through 2028, meaning Toronto will have to get creative through LTIR usage, salary retention or contract moves.
Despite an offensive season, it shouldn’t shock fans that Hamilton is on Toronto’s radar given his track record as an elite right-shot defender. Reports suggest that San Jose, Utah and Toronto are among the most serious suitors, but if the Leafs can make the math work, Hamilton might be someone they want to take a chance on.
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