Today’s the big trade deadline day at 3 p.m. Eastern time. All the buzz and speculation have come and gone, and the Toronto Maple Leafs will likely make a move or two. As we wait to see exactly what happens, I wanted to take a moment to share some random thoughts on the potential impact of any trades, mixed in with a bit of wishful thinking.
It is always exciting to consider how new additions could shake up the team and make a difference in their playoff push. Things could get interesting!
Item One: What Matthews’ Confidence Means for the Maple Leafs Trade Deadline Strategy
Auston Matthews recently expressed confidence in the Maple Leafs’ roster. He acknowledged that while the players felt good about their team, the trade deadline is when teams look to add pieces for a Stanley Cup run. He trusted management to make the right decisions, signaling that they wouldn’t make moves just for the sake of it. Matthews’ comments reflect an understanding that the team’s management, led by Brad Treliving, won’t part with key assets unless the trade significantly improves the roster.
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This approach contrasts with the more aggressive moves made under former GM Kyle Dubas. Treliving has shown restraint. He didn’t make significant acquisitions at last year’s deadline and will likely continue that trend this season. His significant moves came before the season, adding players like Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Max Pacioretty with the playoffs in mind. These additions were intended to strengthen the roster for a long-term run, not just for a quick fix at the deadline.
As the Maple Leafs look toward the playoffs, Matthews’ comments reflect a patient approach to building a Stanley Cup contender. Thankfully, the current management is focused on ensuring trades are actual upgrades rather than making changes to keep up with divisional rivals. The key now is to trust in the existing structure and continue to build for success without jeopardizing the future for short-term gain.
Item Two: Michael Bunting’s Return to Toronto Is My Wishful Thinking
I’d love to see Michael Bunting return to the Maple Leafs. After moving to Nashville yesterday, he seems to be on the move again. Throughout all his moves, he’s continued to prove himself as a reliable 20-goal scorer. His previous time in Toronto, where he came close to winning the Calder Trophy and posted back-to-back 20-goal seasons, showed that he meshed well with the team’s core.
Though his departure was influenced by discipline issues, particularly with penalties, Bunting’s familiarity with the Maple Leafs’ system and his ability to bring grit and offensive depth could make for a smooth reintegration. His style of play – agitating opponents and contributing offensively – would add a lot to Toronto’s forward group. He would look good putting up some goals on the team’s third line.
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Is it realistic? Probably not. But if the Maple Leafs were going to make a move, it’s fun to think about the possibility of Bunting returning to help give his old Maple Leafs team an extra spark heading into the playoffs.
Item Three: Ryan Reaves Placed on Waivers Ahead of Trade Deadline
In a move likely to free up cap space ahead of today’s trade deadline, the Maple Leafs placed Ryan Reaves on waivers. Reaves, known for his physical play and leadership, has suited up for 35 of the Maple Leafs’ 62 games this season. During his time on the ice, he has registered two assists, 103 hits, and 28 penalty minutes.
With the trade deadline approaching, the move could allow the team to bring in new talent. Reaves’ absence from the lineup leaves a hole in the physical presence on the fourth line, but the team is prioritizing flexibility as it looks to strengthen its roster for the remainder of the season.
Item Three: Philippe Myers Stepping Up, But His Future’s Uncertain
Philippe Myers has been a pleasant surprise for the Maple Leafs’ blue line, especially in the absence of Tanev. Recently, Myers paired with Morgan Rielly on the top defensive pairing and has proven to be a reliable player despite mixed results. In Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to the Golden Knights, Myers logged 17:16 of ice time, blocking one shot and finishing with a minus-1 rating.
While the offensive production isn’t going to light up the scoreboard, Myers’ solid defensive play is worth noting. Over the last few games, his performance on the top pairing has been inconsistent. It’s been up and down, but so has the rest of the team. Still, from what I saw, he’s managed to hold his own in a challenging role.
Related: What to Expect From New Maple Leafs Defenceman Philippe Myers
As the Maple Leafs approach the trade deadline and with Tanev returning, Myers’ future as a top-pairing blueliner will shift. The Maple Leafs could also bring in another defenceman, who would impact Myers’ role on the team. Still, he has been solid for this team. Last season, Simon Benoit showed up and performed well. This season, it’s been Myers.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
As the trade deadline ends today, we’ll soon see the Maple Leafs’ roster for the remainder of the regular season. Finishing first in the Atlantic Division could help them avoid facing one of the Florida teams in the first round of the playoffs. That said, there’s always the argument that you might as well face the best if you’re going to make a Stanley Cup run. After all, you must beat the best to win the Stanley Cup. We’ll see how that plays out.
(Photo by Mike Carlson/NHLI via Getty Images)
To win the Cup, the Maple Leafs will need a strong roster, a bit of luck, and solid goaltending. Anything can happen in the postseason, and while it’s always a bit of a crapshoot, Toronto certainly has the skill. The rest of the season should be exciting, and we’re all eager to see how the team fares down the stretch.
[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.]
