The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to reshape their roster. Mitch Marner is a member of the Vegas Golden Knights following a sign-and-trade deal between the two teams. Losing one of the faces of the franchise has put Toronto in position to shake things up in a manner they’ve largely resisted this decade.
This could lead to the Maple Leafs getting a bit creative with their moves. In fact, that’s what they did with Marner. Toronto traded Marner to the Sin City, receiving center Nicolas Roy in return. Marner signed his eight-year contract with Vegas on the back of that trade.
However, they have also shown a willingness to take some risks. Take their trade for Utah Mammoth winger Matias Maccelli for example. Maccelli struggled in 2024-25, looking nothing like the potential franchise playmaker he appeared to be the previous two seasons. Toronto is banking on a return to that production, and are willing to give him the ice time necessary to rediscover his game.
There is another winger out there that makes sense as a reclamation project, as well. He is currently a restricted free agent after scoring four goals in 53 games in 2024-25. But this winger could thrive in the Maple Leafs organization. Heavy.com is proposing the following trade between Toronto and Vegas:
Toronto Maple Leafs acquire: Alexander Holtz
Vegas Golden Knights acquire: Nick Robertson
Alexander Holtz Showed Promise Near End of 24-25
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesAlexander Holtz could use a change of pace after struggling with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Holtz was a promising winger with the New Jersey Devils for some time. At one point, he was believed to be their next franchise sniper. However, things never clicked in New Jersey. This led to him and goaltender Akira Schmid being traded to the Golden Knights last summer for Paul Cotter and a draft pick.
As mentioned, Holtz struggled mightily in the NHL with the Golden Knights. In saying this, he did show a lot of promise at the AHL level. He discovered a level of confidence that hadn’t been apparent for some time. In 16 games, he produced at nearly a point per game, finishing with seven goals and 13 points.
Of course, this is the AHL level. But if his confidence carries over to 2025-26, he could find some success in the NHL. He isn’t too far removed from a 16-goal season with the Devils. He needs a change of scenery, and the Maple Leafs could allow him to rediscover his game this upcoming season.
Maple Leafs’ Nick Robertson Has Requested Trade
Robertson has had slightly better luck at the NHL level than Holtz. He has scored 10+ goals twice in his career, both coming in each of the last two seasons. Injuries have held him back a lot, however. And overall, he hasn’t had the greatest time in Toronto.
This led to a trade request from Robertson last summer. The young winger did sign another contract with Toronto, but his request remained. Robertson is headed toward arbitration with the Maple Leafs, which could add further add tension between player and team.
The Maple Leafs likely won’t get much out of Robertson in a trade. As a result, taking on a player who needs a change of pace makes sense. Holtz has untapped potential and he’s the same age as Robertson. It’s a deal that can work for all involved.
Maple Leafs Trade Pitch Gives Promising Wingers A Fresh Start