With the trade deadline just weeks away, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be active in trade talks.
The team’s most pressing needs at the moment are a third-line center and a top defenseman.
After seeing enough from Connor Timmins and Philippe Myers, it’s clear their lack of offensive skills and defensive awareness are significant liabilities. Although Simon Benoit’s numbers this season have been poor, he could serve as a seventh defenseman if the necessary upgrades are made.
Up front, players like Max Domi, Pontus Holmberg, David Kämpf, and Fraser Minten have all filled in as the third-line center. However, it’s evident that none of these players can be relied upon in that role if the Leafs are to make a deep playoff run.
The Maple Leafs need a legitimate middle-six center.
Among the most frequently mentioned trade targets are Yanni Gourde, Nazem Kadri, and Ryan O’Reilly. Of these, O’Reilly has garnered the most attention. He’s in the second year of a four-year deal with a cap hit of $4.5 million, making him an intriguing option for the Leafs.
The advantage of bringing back the one-time Maple Leaf, Ryan O’Reilly, is that his contract is manageable, meaning the Leafs wouldn’t need to ask for salary retention and could also ease concerns about extending John Tavares.
If General Manager Brad Treliving can secure O’Reilly, he could also address the need for a third-pairing defenseman. Luke Schenn has garnered mixed opinions: some believe he’s past his prime, while others, like myself, think he would be a solid addition to the third pairing. Acquiring both O’Reilly and Schenn would solve multiple issues. O’Reilly would stabilize the third line but also provide flexibility to move into the top six should Tavares or Matthews get injured. Meanwhile, Schenn would complement Oliver Ekman-Larsson on the third defensive pair.
To Toronto: Ryan O’Reilly and Luke Schenn (50% salary retained)
To Nashville: David Kämpf, Nicholas Robertson, Dennis Hildeby, and Fraser Minten
The key asset in this trade is Fraser Minten, who has shown potential as a solid third-line center, though it appears that might be his ceiling as a former second-round pick. Dennis Hildeby, who has impressed in the AHL, could find a faster path to the NHL in Nashville, eventually serving as a backup to Juuse Saros. Nicholas Robertson gets a fresh start, and Kämpf is included mainly to help alleviate cap space, as Pontus Holmberg could easily take over his role at a third of the cost.
To Toronto: Noah Dobson (25% salary retained)
To New York: Easton Cowan, Max Domi, Connor Timmins, 2026 first-round pick, and rights to Miroslav Holinka.
James Tanner has often suggested that the Leafs target New York Islanders restricted free agent Noah Dobson, and while I may not agree with him on everything, acquiring Dobson should be a top priority for Treliving. The Islanders may not find much value in Bobby McMann, given he’s a pending unrestricted free agent and doesn’t contribute much to a non-playoff team.
In my version of the trade, I propose sending Easton Cowan, Max Domi, Connor Timmins, a 2026 first-round pick, and the rights to Miroslav Holinka to New York. This package should be more appealing to the Islanders, providing them with a mix of future potential and immediate roster flexibility. Dobson would help solidify the Leafs’ top four defense, making him a crucial addition to the team.
Noah Dobson is a top-pairing defenseman who has logged over 24 minutes per game in each of the last two seasons, including an impressive 70 points in 2023-24. The impact of adding a top-tier defenseman, as we’ve seen with players like Chris Tanev, is undeniable. The game shifts dramatically when a player like that is on the ice, and now is the time for the Leafs to pay whatever it takes to acquire Dobson from the Islanders.
The retention on Dobson’s contract would only apply for the remainder of the season, as he is due for a new contract, which should be prioritized before considering an extension for John Tavares.
While the Islanders would receive some spare parts in Max Domi and Connor Timmins, both have the potential for a bounce-back and could be dealt again for additional assets. This trade also provides the Leafs with much-needed cap relief in the short term.
The real value in this trade comes from the first-round pick, along with Easton Cowan, the reigning OHL MVP, and Miroslav Holinka, who is starting to establish himself. While this offer may not be enough to land Dobson outright, it is a strong starting point for negotiations. Treliving should leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of the former 12th overall pick, as acquiring Dobson would be a game-changing move for the Leafs’ blue line.