In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumours, I’ll share how injuries might influence the team’s decisions as the 2025 Trade Deadline approaches. While it’s clear the Maple Leafs are looking to improve, the question remains: where are the team’s weaknesses? How does the organization’s brain trust view the path forward?
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The upcoming deadline will offer fans a unique opportunity to gain insight into how the team sees itself and where it believes the most pressing needs lie. It will be enjoyable for the fans as they glimpse the team’s future strategy. I know I’m interested. Here’s where I think the choices lie.
Item One: Is Chris Tanev’s Injury a Game-Changer
Given the positive change he’s brought to the team, Chris Tanev’s injury could be a big problem for the Maple Leafs. If it’s a long-term issue, Toronto’s going to feel it. The team needs him, and he’s one of the guys the lineup can’t afford to lose. After Tanev went down early against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, Boston immediately took advantage of Toronto’s defensive holes. If this injury keeps him out for a while, will Brad Treliving be on the phone to find a replacement? Might he even use some Long Term Injured Reserve space to bring someone in?
I bet the Maple Leafs are already looking at options. They’ve got blue-liners with the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies to lean on, and they might be looking at guys like Dakota Mermis or even Philippe Myers. Both have been in the mix before. Matt Benning also has NHL experience.
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But there’s one good thing recently. Toronto’s defense has had a bright spot in that Morgan Rielly is playing well. And, although the truth is that Jake McCabe plays better with Tanev in the lineup than when he’s not, he’s been solid. The Maple Leafs have some depth in the organization. Should Tanev be out for more than a game or two, we’ll see how this depth is used.
Item Two: Does Auston Matthews Have Ongoing Injury Concerns?
Since returning from his injury earlier in the season, Auston Matthews had been one of the team’s most consistent and dominant players. However, there’s been noticeable concern over his play since the 4 Nations Face-Off. While he continued to put up points, there’s been a shift in his usual playstyle. Are there ongoing injury issues?
After suffering the injury earlier this season, Matthews regained his former explosive self. However, he’s returned slowly over these past few games. Granted, the team is better with him in the lineup than when he’s been sitting. Still, he seems not 100% healthy. Fortunately, there’ve been a couple of days between games. If he’s been pushing through pain to stay on the ice, perhaps the rest has helped. By the way, the word today is that Max Pacioretty might be ready to return on Friday night.
Item Three: What Moves Will the Maple Leafs Make at the Trade Deadline?
As the trade deadline approaches, the Maple Leafs face crucial decisions about bolstering their roster for the stretch run. There seem to be two choices. First, will addressing the team’s defensive depth be a top priority? Second, will the team seek help down the middle and try to pull in a bona fide third-line scoring center?
Related: Morgan Rielly Joins Elite Company With 500th Career Point With Maple Leafs.
With Tanev’s current injury, will the defense take first place? Or is a centre the more-significant priority? Adding a top-four defenseman would provide much-needed stability and could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. Even more interesting, how much panic is going on within the team’s brain trust? Does general manager Brad Treliving see the clock ticking? Will they act swiftly?
With a packed schedule ahead and the fast-coming March 7 deadline, will Toronto make speedy and strategic moves? Or will they wait to see what they already have in the system? One way or another, fans will soon see how the team approaches the trade deadline to ensure the team can compete with the NHL’s best. There’s a potential postseason run on the horizon.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
While the Maple Leafs have shown they have the potential for a deep playoff run, several key questions remain. How will the team’s health impact their trade deadline choices? Does Matthews have lingering injury concerns? If so, does the team dare give him a few games off to heal? Or will they push through with him to ensure first place in the Atlantic Division so they don’t have to face one of the Florida-based teams in the first round?
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This is an interesting trade deadline coming up. The next few weeks will show us what the organization thinks it must do to fill the holes and overcome the challenges that might prevent them from making a serious push for the Stanley Cup. Whatever key roster decisions are to be made will happen soon. The race to the postseason is heating up, and the next few weeks will be pivotal for Toronto’s success.
