The math is getting scary for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sitting at a mediocre 12-11-3 record, the team is currently on the outside looking in. History tells us that teams holding a playoff spot at American Thanksgiving usually keep it—and teams outside the bracket miss the postseason 90% of the time.
That statistical reality has shifted the conversation in Toronto from “Stanley Cup Contender” to “Seller.” If General Manager Brad Treliving wants to salvage this season or pivot for the future, the roster shakeup needs to happen soon. Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon recently highlighted the most likely assets to move, and frankly, the list makes sense. The Leafs are holding onto players who might have more value elsewhere than they do at Scotiabank Arena.
Analyzing the Top Trade Candidates on the Maple Leafs Roster
As an analyst watching this team night in and night out, it is clear the current mix isn’t clicking. Here is my take on the three names circulating the rumor mill right now: Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Matias Maccelli.
The Nick Robertson Dilemma: Robertson has been a fixture in the rumor mill since the summer of 2024. The kid has a lethal shot, but he’s stuck in purgatory. He shows flashes of top-six potential, yet coaching never trusts him enough to give him the runway he needs. At this point, a trade is a mercy killing for his career. He needs a fresh start, and the Leafs need an asset they can actually use.
Bobby McMann’s Regression: Last season’s 20-goal campaign felt like a breakout, but this year has been a harsh reality check. With just six goals in 26 games, McMann looks like a passenger. If a team still believes in his 2024 form, Toronto should sell before his value completely evaporates.
The Maccelli Experiment: The Leafs banked on Maccelli regaining his 57-point form from his previous season, but it hasn’t happened. Nine points in 22 games and a string of healthy scratches is unacceptable for an offensive acquisition. He doesn’t kill penalties, and if he isn’t scoring, he’s a liability.
It’s not just about changing faces; it’s about changing the energy. This core has become stale, and these three players represent the easiest path to shaking up the room.
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The post Why Panic Is Setting In For The Toronto Maple Leafs (And Who Goes Next) appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
