After a rough start to the 2025-26 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have turned things around and are back in the Eastern Conference playoff race. After sitting near the bottom of the standings, they have vaulted up to near the final wild-card spot. Toronto is a real threat to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
However, like all potential postseason teams, the Maple Leafs are likely going to be active at the trade deadline in March to upgrade their roster. Retooling is not what Toronto does with its current core. Last season at the deadline, they struck a deal with the Boston Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney to acquire defenseman Brandon Carlo.