The Toronto Maple Leafs underwent a transformational offseason this summer. The departure of Mitch Marner left a hole in the team’s lineup that GM Brad Treliving has been trying to plug. Thus far, he has been unsuccessful in plugging the hole with a single piece. So, he’s resorted to multiple pieces to fill in the gap.
That situation opens the door for more moves to come during this upcoming season. The Maple Leafs view themselves as Stanley Cup contenders. That situation means the club will need to bolster the lineup any way it can.
Fans could see some major activity sooner rather than later. So, here’s a look at the top three Toronto Maple Leafs trade candidates for the 2025-26 season.
Top 3 Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Candidates in 2025-26
Scott Laughton
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Scott Laughton at last year’s trade deadline, hoping to find a solid, middle-six center who could alleviate the pressure on Auston Matthews and John Tavares.
However, Laughton got off to a slow start in Toronto. He improved in the postseason, but eventually found himself manning the fourth line. If Laughton gets off to another slow start, the Maple Leafs could look to part ways with him. He’s an impending UFA and might draw interest from a rebuilding club.
While his $1.5 million cap hit this season isn’t a burden on the Maple Leafs, the club may look to move him to open up a roster spot for a trade deadline acquisition.
Max Domi
Max Domi has been another player under the microscope this offseason. His lack of meaningful impact has prompted trade rumors throughout the summer. However, finding a taker for his $3.75 million cap hit may prove challenging.
At 30, Domi isn’t a spring chicken anymore. He’s reached his ceiling and won’t offer much in the way of potential. He could be a solid middle-six addition for a rebuilding or emerging club. However, the Maple Leafs shouldn’t expect to get a big return for him.
If Domi gets off to a strong start, his trade value could increase. That situation may encourage Brad Treliving to find a trade partner for Domi as soon as possible to maximize his return.
David Kampf
Including David Kampf in this list is hardly a shocker. He’s likely on his way out of the Maple Leafs’ lineup. Whether it’s via trade or waivers, it’s unlikely Kampf starts the season with the big club.
Ideally, the Maple Leafs would like to get something for the 30-year-old Czech native. But if there were a market for Kampf, the Leafs would have already traded him. So, the best hope for Toronto is that some team becomes decimated by injuries and is willing to pony up out of desperation.
Otherwise, Toronto may have to find a team willing to take on his $2.4 million cap hit for the next two seasons just to get to the cap floor. With the cap floor going up next season, such a deal may become increasingly plausible.
Maple Leafs May Hold onto Robertson, Jarnkrok
Two of the most talked-about trade candidates this offseason have been Nick Robertson and Calle Jarnkrok. However, the Maple Leafs may just hold onto both of them this season.
Robertson is still young enough to where he could provide some upside. He may finally find his footing in the Maple Leafs’ lineup. At worst, he could put up another 15-goal season like he did last year.
As for Jarnkrok, he’s a versatile piece. He’s useful in the lineup and delivers a reliable, if unflashy, veteran presence. He’s the sort of player coaches like to have around. While health may be an issue, the Leafs may want to keep Jarnkrok around. He’s in the final year of his current deal. So, there’s no real rush to move him.
Maple Leafs Top 3 Trade Candidates in 2025-26