He is actively reshaping the roster on multiple fronts at once, and reporting suggests he isn\u2019t finished. Multiple outlets have named Morgan Rielly, Dakota Joshua, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson as names still very much in play, with Rielly being the big name that could go, even though Chayka has hinted the defenseman is staying put. <\/p>\n
![\"John](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/John-Chayka-Maple-Leafs-3-1200x800.jpg\")
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n
People around the league describe Chayka as someone who \u201cloves making deals,\u201d and despite not being in the league for some time, it\u2019s clear he is not a GM content to sit on his hands once a roster is close to where he wants it. With training camp opening in September, insiders continue to frame at least one more significant move as the expectation, not a possibility.<\/p>\n
The Maple Leafs were linked to Zach Werenski when he suddenly became available (at least for a moment) out of Columbus. Others have wondered if they\u2019d like Dylan Larkin (even though they aren\u2019t on his preferred list). <\/p>\n
There\u2019s too much smoke around this team not to wonder if there\u2019s something actually cooking. <\/p>\n
The Case for \u201cEnding\u201d: The Maple Leafs Are Done<\/p>\n
The counterpoint is that the \u201cblockbuster\u201d everyone is talking about might already have happened. The Woll deal with Philadelphia was a genuinely big trade. The Raddysh acquisition was a massive swing. Drafting McKenna could be a game-changer. Signing Bobrovsky is a gamble that could pay off huge or turn into a disaster decision. <\/p>\n
Now that Chayka has indicated Rielly isn\u2019t being moved, and trade talks have cooled significantly, it appears the big piece Toronto would trade is off the market. And now that Werenski talk has \u201cfizzled\u201d in Columbus, which huge fish is there for the Leafs to go after? <\/p>\n
There\u2019s also something to be said for keeping flexibility for later. The Leafs don\u2019t have to make another big move this summer when they can make a move in-season. If Chayka wants flexibility, now might not be the time to take another significant swing. One final mega-trade sounds like fun, but it removes the odds that the Leafs will be in on a player who inevitably becomes available down the line that isn\u2019t available now. <\/p>\n
So, Trending or Ending?<\/p>\n
This one leans toward ending, mostly because of what\u2019s been said and what\u2019s available. <\/p>\n
Rielly wanted to go to the Western Conference. The San Jose Sharks no longer need him and the Anaheim Ducks have other business to attend to since the Leo Carlsson offer sheet. <\/p>\n
The \u201cblockbuster\u201d Werenski trade is off the table for now. That discussion may not be over permanently, but he\u2019s pivoted back to saying he wants to stay with the Blue Jackets, and any discussion about his willingness to join Toronto is moot. <\/p>\n
Chayka and the Maple Leafs will keep their eyes peeled, but it doesn\u2019t feel like a blockbuster is imminent. <\/p>\n
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