It is funny how quickly things can change. There has been plenty of negativity surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs after their nightmare 2025-26 season. While this this case, it is fair to say that the vibes are getting much better for the Original Six club.
The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery treated the Maple Leafs incredibly kindly, as they secured the No. 1 overall pick. When noting that they had the fifth-best odds to do so, they undoubtedly got lucky. Now, they are very likely to get Gavin McKenna after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
After landing the first-overall pick, it would not be surprising if the Maple Leafs respond by having a busy offseason. They have a real opportunity to retool on the fly, and that could lead to them being aggressive this summer. This is especially so when noting that they have multiple roster needs to address.
One way that the Maple Leafs could look to boost their roster is through the trade market. Because of this, let’s look at three trade candidates who Toronto could consider pursuing this offseason.
Maple Leafs Should Boost Center Position by Acquiring Devils’ Nico Hischier
One area that the Maple Leafs could look to improve this offseason is the center position. When looking at trade candidates around the NHL, Nico Hischier stands out as a very interesting potential option for Toronto.
The Maple Leafs could use an elite two-way center as they look to turn things back around. Because of this, it would make sense for them to target Hischier if the Devils end up making him available this offseason. If they acquired him, he could slot perfectly as their new second-line center.
Hischier is entering the final season of his contract in 2026-27, which has led to questions about his future in New Jersey. In 82 games this season with the Devils, he had 28 goals and 66 points.
Maple Leafs Must Kick Tires on Canucks’ Filip Hronek
The Vancouver Canucks had an even worse 2025-26 season than the Maple Leafs. Due to this, they traded away several players during the season, including former captain Quinn Hughes. With this, the Canucks are rebuilding, and the Maple Leafs would be wise to kick tires on Filip Hronek.
If the Maple Leafs acquired Hronek from the Canucks, he would immediately become their top right-shot defenseman. He would also give them another clear option for both their power play and penalty kill if acquired from Vancouver. However, with Hronek being a top-pairing defenseman with term, the Canucks would want a lot for him in a move.
Hronek is signed until the end of the 2031-32 season, carrying a $7.25 million cap hit. In 82 games this season, he had eight goals and 49 points.
Maple Leafs Need a Top-Six Right Winger Like Jordan Kyrou
After losing Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights last summer, the Leafs would be wise to bring in a proven top-six right winger this offseason. St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou stands out as a fascinating target.
Kyrou has been the subject of trade rumors for a while now and could use a fresh start. While he had a down year in 2025-26, he is a 30-goal and 70-point threat when playing at his best. Therefore, he would be a good player for Toronto to take a gamble on.
3 Maple Leafs Trade Targets After Winning 2026 NHL Draft Lottery