Evaluating the Maple Leafs’ Top Trade Assets

It almost feels that whenever a big-name player becomes available, the main question becomes; are the Toronto Maple Leafs involved?  That was exactly the case when the report connecting Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov and the Maple Leafs became known last week. 

It still may be tough for the Maple Leafs to make any major move as there are plenty of other factors at play but they still have the assets to make an enticing offer. Whether it’ll be enough is the question. Should the Maple Leafs make a major blockbuster move, here are the four assets they can offer that will for sure be at the forefront of any trade. 

Easton Cowan

For the record, I think Easton Cowan can and will be an important part of the Maple Leafs and should be untouchable. His start to the season has really shown that, being tied for fourth in team scoring with 14 points and has great chemistry with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic.  

However, if any major move comes up, Cowan’s name is all but certain to be involved. Even if the Maple Leafs don’t want to move him. The character, work ethic, drive and ability to establish and rush plays is why teams want him included in any package. That mindset and winning mentality is why the Maple Leafs wouldn’t want to part with him as it’s tough to find those attributes. 

Cowan shouldn’t be moved unless it’s for a premium deal and one that you can’t say “no” to. If that time comes, it’ll be a tough discussion.

Colorado’s First-Round Pick

If there’s one thing that former general manager Brad Treliving did right, it was getting a first-round pick for Nic Roy from the Colorado Avalanche at the trade deadline. The Maple Leafs lack the draft picks to make a major move, but a first-round pick is a first-round pick. Even if it could end up being a late one, the value of it is always high. They don’t have one in 2028 and could ship their 2029 first rounder, but the Avalanche’s first is going to be a main piece in a trade. 

Ben Danford

Gavin McKenna won’t be the Maple Leafs top prospect for long as he continues to play in games, that title will for sure go to Ben Danford soon. 

He’s still adjusting, but Danford is getting more comfortable and more responsibilities at the pro level with the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League. He has four assists in 11 games and continues to show those defensive strengths and habits that made him a sound and steady two-way player. His mobility and offensive creation has taken another step forward as well, making him a little more versatile than just a shut-down player.

Even if the Maple Leafs refuse to trade Cowan, Danford is one that can bring a sizeable return. Elliotte Friemdan mentioned on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast that “a couple of their prospects to be not in the NHL” could be used. Danford should be one of those players as he has value.

Tinus Luc Koblar 

Speaking of prospects not in the NHL, after an extremely impressive showing at the World Hockey Championship and leading Norway to their first medal at the tournament, I wonder if Tinus Luc Koblar could be a name that could garner a lot of attention. 

Koblar’s always pushing the danger areas, establishing attacks and has already shown that he is capable of playing with senior competition. He continues to show signs of that in the SHL, but against NHL players in a major tournament solidified that. That aggressive mindset on the attack to win battles and be a threat in the middle of the ice could entice a team to look at him given that he continues to hold his own against older players at a young age.