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The Maple Leafs have traded Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be one of the NHL’s biggest sellers with the 2026 NHL trade deadline here. It is understandable, as they have disappointed in a major way this season and are only getting worse as the 2025-26 campaign.
The Maple Leafs were quiet when it comes to trades so far this week, even with them having so many trade candidates. However, things have now changed on that front, as they traded away one of their most notable trade candidates to kick off their retool. Furthermore, they have gotten a very good return in the process.
Maple Leafs Trade Nicolas Roy to Avalanche for Big Return
The Maple Leafs have announced that they traded forward Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a conditional 2027 first-round pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick.
Seeing Roy be on the move is not necessarily surprising, as he has been the subject of trade rumors often leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. It was reported that the Maple Leafs were hoping to land a first-round pick and more for Roy, and now they have gotten just that from the Avalanche with this deal.
The Maple Leafs getting a big return from the Avalanche for Roy is not difficult to understand. This is because he is a solid top-nine center with size who kills penalties and plays a strong two-way game. His contract added to his value, too, as he has an affordable $3 million cap hit until the end of next season. Thus, the Maple Leafs were in a position to ask for a lot for Roy, and they have gotten just that from the Avalanche.
Roy Should Be an Excellent Addition for Avalanche
While the Avalanche gave up a first-round pick and a fifth-round pick to get Roy, there is no question that he should give their forward group a nice boost. It was clear that the Avalanche were in need of another third-line center, and now they have gotten just that in Roy. Thus, this is a good move for a contender like the Avalanche to make.
Roy should work nicely on their third line with Victor Olofsson and Parker Kelly. In addition, he will give the Avalanche another good option to work with on both their power play and penalty kill. However, due to his versatility, Roy could move up and down the Avalanche’s lineup when needed.
Roy will also provide the Avalanche with another player who has a Stanley Cup on their resume. With the Avalanche being a top contender, it is certainly a good thing that they landed a forward like Roy who knows what it takes to win it all.
Who Could the Maple Leafs Trade Next After Roy?
The Maple Leafs should not be done making moves, as they have plenty more trade candidates. Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson were all recently scratched for roster-related reasons, so they are prime trade candidates. Brandon Carlo is another notable Maple Leaf who has been discussed as a trade candidate.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what other moves the Leafs make from here, but Roy’s time in Toronto is done.
Michael DeRosa Michael covers the NHL for Heavy.com. He has professionally covered the NHL since 2017 and has written for other publications like The Hockey News, BetMGM, Athlon Sports, and The Hockey Writers. More about Michael DeRosa
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