3 Blockbuster Moves the Maple Leafs Could Pull Off Before 2027 Trade Deadline

The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping they can make a deep playoff run this season, and that was made evident when general manager John Chayka made plenty of additions in the offseason. From Sergei Bobrovsky to Darren Raddysh, it is no secret that Chayka is willing to take a big swing if he believes it will help the team, and adding Kirill Marchenko earlier this season was further proof of that.

Recently, it was noted that Chayka would be open to making another blockbuster move, and wouldn’t be afraid to pull the trigger if it meant helping the Maple Leafs push closer to their first Stanley Cup since 1967.

At first, John Chayka didn’t sound all that keen on a trade for a defenceman when he spoke today.

And yet, would he consider another big swing?

“Yes.”

More from the Maple Leafs general manager in Calgary, unlocked at @TheAthleticNHL https://t.co/nEUv2VbiKE

— Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) October 26, 2026

Now, it is no secret the Maple Leafs could use an upgrade on their blue line, but in this article, we will take a look at three potential moves Chayka could be willing to pull of ahead of the 2027 Trade Deadline, and it won’t be specific to defensemen.

Doubling Down With Blue Jackets, Acquire Werenski

The Maple Leafs already acquired a star from the Columbus Blue Jackets, why not double down and try to get another one?

Defenseman Zach Werenski has been tossed around in trade rumours this season, and while he has stated he would prefer to stay with the Blue Jackets and is committed to them, it’s hard to believe what any player says after what happened with Brady Tkachuk and the Ottawa Senators before his trade to the Florida Panthers.

Werenski’s $9,583,334 cap hit through the 2027-28 season makes an acquisition tough, but not impossible. The Maple Leafs would have to clear cap space, and would likely have to part with some combination of Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and Artur Akhtyamov, on top of a first-round pick.

Adding Werenski to their blue line makes the Maple Leafs a true threat to come out of the Eastern Conference, but he would have to waive his no-movement clause (NMC) and be open to a move there.

Create Star Goalie Tandem & Add Juuse Saros

Another way the Maple Leafs could go to really strengthen their depth is adding another star goaltender in Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros. Bobrovsky has been a little underwhelming, and while Anthony Stolarz has been fine, it wouldn’t hurt to add Saros if the Predators aren’t in a playoff position by the trade deadline.

Saros’ $7,740,000 cap hit through the 2032-33 season makes him an affordable addition for any team looking to upgrade between the pipes, but it will still cost quite a bit. Saros is considered one of the NHL’s top goaltenders, so parting with Cowan, Danford, and then likely Stolarz makes it a steep price to pay, but one that gives them extra security.

Bobrovsky won two straight Stanley Cups win the Florida Panthers, but if he continues to decline, having him run backup to another goaltender may not be a bad option. It would be expensive having two goalies cost them almost $15 million against their total salary cap, but it could be worth the risk.

Land Nikita Kucherov

This would be the big one, landing Nikita Kucherov, who recently requested a trade, from the Tampa Bay Lighting.

The Maple Leafs would have to move just about every asset they have to be able to land Kucherov, and it also may cost them one of William Nylander or Kirill Marchenko if they want to convince the Lightning to trade him.

In order to justify doing that, Kucherov would have to agree to sign a long-term extension with the Maple Leafs, likely ending his career in Toronto.

It would be insane, but with how aggressive Chayka has shown he is willing to be, the Maple Leafs shouldn’t be counted out as a true contender to land Kucherov this season. If they came forward with an offer of William Nylander, Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and two first-round picks for Kucherov, it’s something the Lightning would have to strongly consider.

Making a monster move like this is always risky, but it isn’t something that would surprise me coming from Chayka. For now, they seem ready to stand pat and see how the season plays out, but time will tell if they will make another blockbuster move.

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