The Toronto Maple Leafs are widely seen as sellers if they can’t climb back into the playoffs. Currently sitting low in the Atlantic with a slim chance of getting in, they can focus on pending UFAs, deep pieces and potentially bigger moves over the next two weeks to two months.
One of the biggest names that could be on the move is Morgan Rielly, but you have to imagine this is a summer deal. There are plenty of other names that have surfaced in speculative reports, including Bobby McMann, Simon Benoit, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Nicolas Roy and Calle Jarnkrok.
Of all the rumors going around, which ones are somewhat realistic?
Bobby McMann to Colorado Avalanche
One writer mentioned in a recent article for The Athletic reported that the Colorado Avalanche could be a good fit for Bobby McMannn. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, and it could happen.
A UFA-to-be and strong secondary scorer, McMann has top-line chemistry and the ability to play lower in the lineup and still be effective. There has been no progress on an expansion in Toronto, so it seems reasonable to assume he will be moved. Toronto would get a second-round pick in 2026 and a second-round pick (or a similar package) in 2027.
McMann is unlikely to get a first-place finish, but two seconds makes sense for a hot UFA forward. Avs need scoring depth; this gives Toronto choices for a new tool without losing core pieces.
Simon Benoit to Oilers (or Canadiens)
The Oilers may want to make a small upgrade to their blueline, especially if the return of Paul Coffey doesn’t make the cut immediately. Someone like Simon Benoit could be an interesting target for Edmonton.
Toronto sends Simon Benoit (reliable, physical depth defender) and receives a 2026 third-round pick or prospect.
The Canadiens could also use some help and may be willing to make a similar offer. I wrote in a post earlier this week: “The trade talk surrounding defenseman Simon Benoit is starting to heat up. The 27-year-old left-shot defenseman isn’t the most gifted offensively, but he has quietly climbed the radar of several contending teams thanks to a combination of size, physicality and playoff experience.”
If the Oilers and Maple Leafs want to intensify talks and make a bigger deal, there’s potential there too.
Toronto would send Oliver Ekman-Larsson (veteran D, strong season) and Nicolas Roy (stand-up bottom-six center, faceoff winner) to Edmonton for Andrew Mangiapane (struggling but cheaper cap hit) and a prospect and picks. Edmonton needs to free up space if they are going to sign contracts. Toronto should probably keep some salary as well.
This deal helps Toronto shed the salary of two veterans still under contract, something they might be open to if they lean more toward a rebuild/retool this summer.
Morgan Rielly offseason action
It’s a blockbuster move if the Maple Leafs move Morgan Rielly in the next two weeks, and the wind isn’t exactly blowing that way. But an offseason move? Maybe.
If the Leafs can convince Rielly to accept a trade and get a fresh start somewhere, it would be a big step forward in allowing the Leafs to reimagine the way their offense comes from behind. Both David Pagnotta and Jeff Marek believe this is a conversation that could be had this offseason, but it’s important to note that Rielly is in control of the situation here.
He has a complete no-move and is under contract for four more seasons after this.
Calle Jarnkrok/Scott Laughton for a contender
The Maple Leafs will move depth pieces, most likely in anticipation of UFAs that won’t have multiple teams lining up (which is why Bobby McMann got his own section). Think of Calle Jarnkrok and Scott Laughton.
For example, a 2026 2nd round pick and a small prospect for Laughton aren’t outrageous, despite modest production. He has eight goals and three assists for 11 points, a plus/minus -1 rating, has a 56.5% faceoff winning percentage and an average TOI of 13:43 (his lowest in years). He’s stuck on the fourth line and the penalty box. He is underutilized compared to his Flyers days.
Meanwhile, Sportsnet writes that Jarnkrok “has little to no trade value, but a team may be willing to acquire him to add some depth to their playoff roster.”
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