With the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, the Toronto Maple Leafs aim to extend their winning streak to six as they face the San Jose Sharks on Monday. But how much will their recent success influence general manager Brad Treliving’s approach to the trade deadline?
The Leafs are currently on an 8-1-0 run, leading the Atlantic Division with 78 points, just one ahead of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Their 6-5 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday extended their perfect record to 27-0-0 when leading after two periods, reflecting coach Craig Berube’s emphasis on strong late-game play. However, the Leafs haven’t been able to distance themselves from the competition, with the Panthers on an 8-2-0 streak and acquiring defenseman Seth Jones from the Blackhawks. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have won eight straight, are only four points behind Toronto and three behind Florida.
Treliving has to decide whether to make a bold move like Florida did with Jones or pursue smaller, less risky trades at a more affordable cost.
“I’m happy with where the group is at,” Treliving said. “We’re going to try to help ourselves. We want to improve our team.”
The Leafs’ primary needs are a third-line center and defensive depth. Reports suggest they are eyeing St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn, who won the Stanley Cup under Berube in 2019. Despite a recent 6-3 loss to the Dallas Stars, the Blues are still in the playoff hunt, which may make them hesitant to trade key players like Schenn.
“You have to determine fact from fiction,” Treliving remarked, noting that many teams are still in the race, leading to slower-than-usual trade talks. “We would certainly like to help ourselves. We’ll see how things play out.”
When asked if the Leafs felt more urgency to make a bold trade due to the open playoff race in the East, Treliving downplayed that idea. He believes the focus should be on improving the team, whether through big moves or smaller ones. Historical trade deadline deals, he noted, don’t always deliver the desired results.
“It’s more about looking at your team, finding areas to improve,” Treliving said. “Sometimes a small move can make a big difference. It’s about what’s available, the cost, and how it fits.”
Despite facing a challenging schedule in February, the Leafs have remained competitive, including a perfect 4-0-0 road trip with tight wins over the Bruins, Penguins, and Rangers. Their resiliency is evident, with Berube commending the team’s ability to overcome mistakes and secure a win.
Now, it’s up to Treliving and the Leafs’ management to decide whether to make a big splash or small adjustments to enhance the team before the deadline.