NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs deadline plans should remain the same

Despite a three-game winning streak, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ deadline plans should remain the same

TSN: Chris Johnston on Early Trading on the Toronto Maple Leafs and whether their three-game winning streak has changed their plans ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

Glenn Schiiler: “You mentioned the Maple Leafs. They turned things around a bit before heading into their break Tuesday night after a third straight win in Western Canada. Could this recent stretch impact their approach at the trade deadline, Chris?”

Johnston: “I don’t think it changes anything from a process standpoint for management. And look, you can see the message from the players: they’re not ready to throw in the towel on this season yet. They believe they actually found a little bit of their mojo on that trip through Western Canada. Getting those wins and maybe narrowing them down, at least the math they’re going to have to deal with when they come back after the Olympics in terms of what it’s going to take to get back into the playoffs.”

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But from Brad Treliving’s side, the Leafs front office, they have started collecting and committing to what their players are worth on the market. And I don’t expect a three-game winning streak, and maybe not even if it extends past the break, with the Leafs winning a few games after the break. Don’t believe this will materialize or change what this front office wants to do.

And they’re actually looking at the second tier of players on the roster. You’ve heard the names that were pending UFAs, like a Bobby McMann. Who played well in Edmonton and is tied to rumors with the Edmonton Oilers possibly having interest there. Scott Laughton is an upcoming UFA, Simon Benoit, maybe a Brandon Carlo or Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

I mean, all these, these names, I think the Leafs will get a good idea of ​​what the value is for them in the market during the break. Keep an eye on those decisions, and as we get closer to March 6, I still think you’ll see the Leafs sell to some degree.

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So, barring a really unexpected change of heart, I don’t think the position really changes for where the Leafs are based on this winning run. But I do know that the players would like to change the management’s thinking on this.”

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