{"id":492828,"date":"2026-02-22T22:17:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T22:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/492828\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T22:17:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T22:17:09","slug":"5-realistic-maple-leafs-trade-ideas-grounded-in-the-current-rumor-mill-the-hockey-writers-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/492828\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Realistic Maple Leafs Trade Ideas Grounded in the Current Rumor Mill &#8211; The Hockey Writers &#8211; Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs are widely viewed as sellers if they can\u2019t climb back into playoff contention. Currently sitting low in the Atlantic with slim odds of getting in, focusing on pending UFAs, depth pieces, and potentially bigger moves might be their plan over the next two weeks to two months. <\/p>\n<p>Among the biggest names who could be on the move is <a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/docs\/morgan-rielly\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Morgan Rielly<\/a>, but one has to imagine that\u2019s a summer deal. There are plenty of other names that have been surfacing in speculative reports, including <a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/docs\/bobby-mcmann\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bobby McMann<\/a>, Simon Benoit, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Nicolas Roy, and Calle Jarnkrok.<\/p>\n<p>Of all the rumors floating around, which are somewhat realistic?<\/p>\n<p>Bobby McMann to Colorado Avalanche <\/p>\n<p>Mentioned in a recent article for The Athletic, one scribe reported that the Colorado Avalanche could be a good fit for Bobby McMannn.This one doesn\u2019t seem like a big stretch, and it could happen. <\/p>\n<p>A pending UFA and strong secondary scorer, McMann has chemistry with top lines and the ability to play lower in the lineup and still be effective. There is no progress on an extension in Toronto, so it seems reasonable to assume <a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/what-is-bobby-mcmanns-future-with-the-maple-leafs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">he\u2019ll be moved<\/a>. Toronto would receive a 2026 2nd-round pick and a 2027 2nd-round pick (or similar package). <\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Bobby-McMann-Maple-Leafs.jpg\" alt=\"Bobby McMann Toronto Maple Leafs\" class=\"wp-image-1623825\"  \/>Bobby McMann, Toronto Maple Leafs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/38Photography\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amy Irvin<\/a> \/ The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n<p>McMann is unlikely to fetch a 1st, but two seconds make sense for a hot UFA forward. Avs need scoring depth; this gives Toronto picks for a retool without losing core pieces.<\/p>\n<p>Simon Benoit to Oilers (or Canadiens) <\/p>\n<p>The Oilers might be looking to make a slight upgrade on their blue line, especially if the return of Paul Coffey doesn\u2019t immediately move the needle. Someone like Simon Benoit could be <a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/whos-eyeing-simon-benoit-maple-leafs-trade-rumors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">an interesting target<\/a> for Edmonton. <\/p>\n<p>Toronto sends Simon Benoit (reliable, physical depth defenseman) and receives a 2026 3rd-round pick or prospect. <\/p>\n<p>The Canadiens could also use some help and might be willing to make a similar offer. I wrote in a post earlier this week: \u201cTrade chatter surrounding defenseman\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/docs\/simon-benoit\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Benoit<\/a>\u00a0is starting to intensify. The 27-year-old left-shot defenseman isn\u2019t the most gifted offensively, but he has quietly climbed the radar of multiple contending teams, thanks to a combination of size, physicality, and playoff experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If the Oilers and Maple Leafs wanted to step up talks and make a bigger deal, there\u2019s potential there too. <\/p>\n<p>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 has to clear cap space if they\u2019re bringing contracts in. Toronto likely has to retain a little salary, too. <\/p>\n<p>This deal helps Toronto shed salary on two veterans who are still under contract, something they might be open to doing if they lean more toward a rebuild\/retool this summer. <\/p>\n<p>Morgan Rielly Offseason Move<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a blockbuster if the Maple Leafs move Morgan Rielly over the next two weeks, and the winds aren\u2019t really blowing that way. But an offseason move? Maybe. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.substack.com\/s\/toronto-maple-leafs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"122\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Leafs_Banner-1200x122.jpg\" alt=\"SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO OUR TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER\" class=\"wp-image-1567231\"  \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If the Leafs can convince Rielly to accept a trade and get a fresh start somewhere, this would go a long ways toward the Leafs reimaging the way offense comes from the back end. Both David Pagnotta and Jeff Marek believe this is a conversation that could be had over the offseason, but it\u2019s important to note that Rielly controls the situation here. <\/p>\n<p>He holds a full no-move and is under contract for four additional seasons after this one.<\/p>\n<p>Calle Jarnkrok\/Scott Laughton to a Contender<\/p>\n<p>The Maple Leafs will move depth pieces, most likely pending UFAs that aren\u2019t going to have multiple teams lining up for them (which is why Bobby McMann got his own section). Think Calle Jarnkrok and Scott Laughton. <\/p>\n<p>For example, a 2026 2nd-round pick and minor prospect for Laughton isn\u2019t outrageous despite modest production. He\u2019s got eight goals and three assists for 11 points, a plus\/minus -1 rating, owns a 56.5% faceoff win rate, and averages 13:43 TOI (his lowest in years). He\u2019s been stuck on the fourth line and the penalty kill. He\u2019s underutilized compared to his Flyers days.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Sportsnet writes that Jarnkrok \u201chas little to no trade value, but there might be a team willing to acquire him to add some depth to their playoff roster.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/anaheim-ducks\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Anaheim Ducks\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/boston-bruins\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Boston Bruins\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/buffalo-sabres\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Buffalo Sabres\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/calgary-flames\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Calgary Flames\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/carolina-hurricanes\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Carolina Hurricanes\" 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\/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/florida-panthers\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Florida Panthers\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/los-angeles-kings\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Los Angeles Kings\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/montreal-canadiens\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Montreal Canadiens\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/minnesota-wild\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Minnesota Wild\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/nashville-predators\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Nashville Predators\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/new-jersey-devils\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"New Jersey Devils\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/new-york-islanders\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"New York Islanders\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/new-york-rangers\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"New York Rangers\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/ottawa-senators\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Ottawa Senators\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/philadelphia-flyers\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Philadelphia Flyers\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/pittsburgh-penguins\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Pittsburgh Penguins\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/san-jose-sharks\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"San Jose Sharks\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/seattle-kraken\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Seattle Kraken\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/st-louis-blues\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"St. Louis Blues\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/tampa-bay-lightning\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Tampa Bay Lightning\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/toronto-maple-leafs\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Toronto Maple Leafs\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/utah-mammoth\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Utah Hockey Club\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/vancouver-canucks\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Vancouve Canucks\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/vegas-golden-knights\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Vegas Golden Knights\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/washington-capitals\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Washington Capitals\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a xlink:href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"---\" xlink:title=\"Winnipeg Jets\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Toronto Maple Leafs are widely viewed as sellers if they can\u2019t climb back into playoff contention. Currently&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":492829,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[194291],"tags":[192123,159015,49,5238,48,8437,141055,3302],"class_list":{"0":"post-492828","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-toronto","8":"tag-2026-nhl-trade-deadline","9":"tag-bobby-mcmann","10":"tag-ca","11":"tag-calle-jarnkrok","12":"tag-canada","13":"tag-nicolas-roy","14":"tag-oliver-ekman-larsson","15":"tag-toronto"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/492828","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=492828"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/492828\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/492829"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=492828"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=492828"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=492828"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}