The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a tricky situation as they approach Friday’s NHL trade deadline. While they are eager to make moves, their tight salary cap limits their ability to do so without clearing space. This leaves GM Brad Treliving with few options unless he makes additional moves to free up room.

To address this, the Maple Leafs plan to leverage salary retention or involve a third team to help with the financial aspects of any potential trades. Treliving, while content with the current roster, is still focused on improving the team, especially in a trade market that’s been relatively quiet.

Toronto’s strategy revolves around other teams absorbing part of their financial responsibility. As The Athletic points out, the Maple Leafs’ tight cap situation will likely push Treliving to seek salary retention from sellers or engage another team as a financial intermediary.

The Leafs’ main goal is to acquire a third-line center, with Brayden Schenn from St. Louis and Scott Laughton from Philadelphia being key targets. They’re also keeping an eye on rental options like Montreal’s Jake Evans, Seattle’s Yanni Gourde, and Arizona’s Nick Bjugstad. Additionally, Treliving is looking to add a depth defenseman who can play on the right side.

Whether these deals will happen remains uncertain, as some targets like Schenn and Laughton have suggested they’re unlikely to move, and their teams appear hesitant to trade them as well.