The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing to act as sellers ahead of the March 6, 2026, NHL trade deadline, with defenseman Morgan Rielly emerging as a key figure in discussions. Reports indicate interest from the San Jose Sharks in Rielly, though a deal may wait until the offseason due to his no-move clause. Other players like Bobby McMann, Simon Benoit, and Scott Laughton could also draw trade inquiries.
As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs, currently holding a 27-21-9 record and trailing for a wild card spot, are positioned as sellers according to reports from Chris Johnston. Defenseman Morgan Rielly, who has a full no-move clause for the next two seasons reducing to a 10-team no-trade list thereafter, has been struggling this season. His $7.5 million cap hit includes $6 million salary in the final four years with no bonuses, making it a favorable structure for potential suitors.
The San Jose Sharks have formally expressed interest in Rielly, per a HockeyBuzz report, requesting to circle back when Toronto is ready to move him. No specific names have been exchanged, and Rielly has not been approached yet. A possible return could include Timothy Liljegren and a mid-round draft pick, though David Pagnotta suggested the Leafs may wait until summer to ask Rielly to waive his clause. Rielly has been productive offensively over the past five seasons but has drawn criticism for defensive play and lack of a strong point shot.
Beyond Rielly, interest is building around forwards Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit, both earning $1.35 million. McMann is a pending unrestricted free agent, while Benoit has one more season on his deal; Pagnotta noted McMann could seek a five-year, $5 million AAV extension. The Edmonton Oilers have held discussions with Toronto leading up to the Olympic freeze, though not centered on McMann, with sources pointing to Nicolas Roy or Oliver Ekman-Larsson as potential targets. A trade pitch proposes sending Scott Laughton, a $1.5 million pending UFA with 11 points in 39 games, to Edmonton for a 2026 second-round pick and 2028 fourth-round pick. Former goaltender Martin Biron called Laughton a perfect third- or fourth-line center fit for the Oilers, praising his two-way game, penalty killing, and leadership.
Other potential trade pieces include Calle Jarnkrok, Max Domi, and Mattias Maccelli. With $21 million in projected cap space this summer, moving Rielly could reshape the roster for 2026-27.
