The Toronto Maple Leafs’ season could be coming down to the wire in the next couple of days. Based on that, Maple Leafs rumors could follow through leading up to the NHL trade deadline. At least that’s what a notable commentator believes.
Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos made a bold statement on Tuesday, reducing the Maple Leafs’ trade deadline strategy down to the next three games. The Maple Leafs will play back-to-back games in Florida against the Panthers and Lightning. Then, they return home for a Saturday night tilt with the Ottawa Senators.
Those are three divisional games that could pretty much determine the accuracy of current Maple Leafs rumors. Kypreos noted that depending on the outcome of those three games, Toronto would approach the trade deadline one way or another.
“It seems like the Maple Leafs are in a holding pattern for the next three games as they will want to see how they fare against Florida, Tampa Bay and Ottawa before figuring out their strategy.”
In short, if Toronto wins all three games, then Maple Leafs rumors about a sell-off may fall by the wayside.
In contrast, if the club sputters out of the gate, then the worst part of the chatter could come to fruition. The expectation would be that the Leafs could sell off pieces and recoup whatever they can.
The Leafs remain six points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Winning all three games would put some distance between them and other playoff hopefuls, while closing the game somewhat on the Lightning.
Maple Leafs Rumors Point Towards a Sell-Off
The bulk of Maple Leafs rumors point towards a sell-off. Numerous names have floated around as the team looks ahead to next season.
The most-talked-about name so far is Bobby McMann. The 29-year-old has been the subject of ongoing trade chatter. Similarly, Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton have also been in the spotlight.
However, Maple Leafs rumors moving forward will depend on the team’s performance in the next round of games.
Leafs Could Still Be Buyers
On the flipside, the Leafs could still be buyers at the NHL trade deadline. While Maple Leafs rumors have hardly focused on buying, a three-game winning streak could drastically alter the organization’s perception of what could happen this season.
Hoping that the Maple Leafs suddenly beat tough teams like the Lightning may be wishful thinking. But there could be a chance that things turn around. The return of Olympic champion Auston Matthews could give Maple Leafs rumors a new twist.
If Matthews’ success from the 2026 Winter Olympics ignites a rally in the team, the Maple Leafs could turn their fortunes. They have very little runway to pull off a return to the postseason. But looking at what the Columbus Blue Jackets have managed to pull off in a short span, there’s no reason why Toronto couldn’t do the same.
Again, that might be wishful thinking. But hope will remain in Leafs Nation until time officially runs out.
Maple Leafs Rumors: Deadline Moves Depend on 1 Thing