Heading into the NHL trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs were clear about their needs: a bottom-six forward and help on defense. With that in mind, the Maple Leafs were rumored to be pursuing Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton, and those rumors turned out to be true. Shortly after noon on Friday, the team announced that they had acquired Laughton, along with a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick, in exchange for their 2027 first-round pick (with conditions) and popular prospect Nikita Grebenkin.
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The condition on the first-round pick is that it will only be sent if it’s outside the top 10. Otherwise, it will roll over to the following season. In addition, the Flyers agreed to retain 50% of Laughton’s contract, which expires after the 2025-26 season. This trade gives the Maple Leafs Laughton and at a manageable salary cap hit of just $1.5 million next season.
The Maple Leafs’ Surprise Trade
While the Laughton trade was no surprise, the Maple Leafs’ second major deadline deal came out of left field. The team acquired 6-foot-5, 220-pound defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins. The Maple Leafs sent first-round pick Fraser Minten, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Bruins agreed to retain 15% of Carlo’s $4.1 million salary, which runs through the 2026-27 season. While 15% might seem insignificant, it amounts to $615,000, which could be crucial in allowing the Maple Leafs to maintain roster flexibility for the stretch run.
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Speaking of team salaries, in a move to clear cap space, the Maple Leafs also dealt Connor Dewar and Conor Timmins to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. Additionally, Ryan Reaves cleared waivers, freeing up another $3.4 million in cap space. This series of moves gives the Maple Leafs enough room to fit Laughton and Carlo into the roster for the rest of the season, assuming no further significant moves are necessary.
A Look at the Maple Leafs’ New Lines & New Roles
With the addition of Laughton and Carlo, the Maple Leafs’ forward and defensive lines are set for some changes. Head coach Craig Berube threw the new acquisitions right into the mix against the Colorado Avalanche. Laughton played just under 12 minutes, but Carlo had the most time on the ice of any Maple Leafs player at 22:04.
For now, as the Maple Leafs hit the ice against the Utah Hockey Club tonight, the lines look like this:
Forward Line Combinations:
- Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Mitch Marner
- Bobby McMann – John Tavares – William Nylander
- Pontus Holmberg – Scott Laughton – Max Domi
- Steven Lorentz – David Kampf – Nicholas Robertson
- Calle Jarnkrok (13th forward)
Defensive Pairings:
- Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo
- Jake McCabe – Oliver Ekman-Larsson
- Simon Benoit – Philippe Myers
- Chris Tanev (injured)
This lineup offers depth and versatility but raises a few questions. First, Pontus Holmberg, a fixture on the second line, moves to the third line. Calle Jarnkrok finds himself as the 13th forward. If the Maple Leafs need a more defensive-oriented presence in the playoffs, Jarnkrok could be swapped in for Robertson. Although he has had his best stretch of hockey recently, will Robertson be trusted when the checking gets tighter?
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While experienced, Calle Jarnkrok has yet to solidify his spot on the roster. He gives the team postseason depth and might compete for a lineup spot if someone doesn’t perform.
The Maple Leafs’ Defense Looks Solid, but…
On defense, Chris Tanev’s health is a tipping point. But, assuming all seven defensemen stay healthy, Toronto now has a solid group. However, with the intensity and physicality of the playoffs, staying healthy will be a challenge. If an injury occurs, the depth could be tested.
The team’s seventh defenseman would be Philippe Myers. Beyond that, options like Marshall Rifai, Dakota Mermis, and Matt Benning are in line. But, they are not necessarily ideal solutions. The Maple Leafs could likely survive for a game or two without one of their top six defensemen (right now, it’s Tanev), but prolonged absences would pose a much more significant challenge.
The Bottom Line: The Maple Leafs Are a Better Team, but Health Is Crucial
The Maple Leafs are a better team after the trade deadline, bolstering their defense and adding a helpful bottom-six forward. However, the rest of the Eastern Conference contenders have made similar improvements, so the competition remains fierce. Health is the most significant factor determining Toronto’s success this season. Can the team stay healthy down the stretch and into the playoffs?
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If the team can avoid significant injuries and continue to develop the chemistry needed for a deep playoff run, the deadline moves will prove invaluable. But, as always, the unpredictable nature of the postseason and the physical toll it takes on players could derail even the most well-balanced rosters.
For now, the Maple Leafs look like a stronger contender. However, as with all playoff teams, their fate could hinge on one thing—health. Will this revamped roster be enough to propel them through the most brutal playoff battles? Only time will tell.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
