Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is likely keeping a close watch on the standings as the season progresses. However, his focus isn’t on the teams ahead of the Leafs but rather on those sinking to the bottom of their divisions—teams that could become major sellers by the trade deadline.

If some of these struggling teams fail to turn their seasons around by Christmas, they might be inclined to conduct a fire sale. While a rebound is always possible, current trends suggest that a few clubs are heading in the wrong direction.

Despite Treliving’s relatively quiet trade record since taking over—he has yet to make a significant move—circumstances may force him to act this year. The Leafs are firmly in win-now mode but face glaring roster deficiencies.

Toronto’s bottom-six forwards have provided minimal scoring, often featuring up to five fourth-liners in the lineup. Additionally, the team’s depth at center is among the thinnest in the league, despite boasting one of the NHL’s strongest top-two center duos.

On the defensive side, the Leafs need reinforcements to solidify their blue line. However, acquiring the caliber of defenseman they require mid-season may prove challenging.

With that in mind, let’s examine three teams that could hold fire sales and offer the Leafs potential trade opportunities before or at the deadline.

Nashville Predators

The Predators made a significant splash in the offseason by signing marquee free agents like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault while also securing star goaltender Juuse Saros with an eight-year extension.

Unfortunately, the season has not started as planned. Six weeks in, Nashville sits at the bottom of the Central Division, trailing even the Chicago Blackhawks. This leaves the team at a crossroads: stay the course or shift gears and rebuild.

The decision is complicated. Opting for a fire sale after a bold offseason would send a mixed message, but it may be unavoidable if the team’s struggles persist. Potential trade candidates include Gustav Nyquist, Colton Sissons, Michael McCarron, and defenseman Alexandre Carrier—who has been a recurring name in trade rumors.

For the Maple Leafs, these Predators pieces could provide depth for a playoff run. However, there’s little on the roster to justify a major move unless it involves a blockbuster trade for a player with term. Even then, many of Nashville’s key players are older, highly paid, and carry lengthy contracts.

Ironically, Ryan O’Reilly—who left the Leafs this past offseason—would be a highly appealing target for Toronto, especially with some salary retained, given their lack of depth at center.

If Nashville remains at the bottom by Christmas, GM Barry Trotz may face a barrage of trade inquiries.

 Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are struggling in the Metro Division, with GM Kyle Dubas’ offseason strategy failing to translate into success on the ice. Currently sitting at 6-9-2, they are just two points ahead of the last-place Columbus Blue Jackets.

While franchise icons Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are considered untouchable, nearly everyone else on the roster could be on the trading block if the team falls further out of playoff contention by Christmas. Dubas may opt for a light retool instead of a full rebuild, likely waiting until Crosby retires for a more significant overhaul.

Potential trade targets include forwards like Anthony Beauvillier, Drew O’Connor, and Blake Lizotte, as well as defensemen Marcus Pettersson and Matt Grzelcyk, who could provide depth but wouldn’t significantly address the Maple Leafs’ needs.

The most intriguing possibility is Erik Karlsson. The 34-year-old remains an elite offensive defenseman and could fill the Leafs’ desperate need for a true number-one defender. While his $10 million cap hit and three remaining contract years are hurdles, a deal with significant salary retention would make Karlsson a transformative addition for Toronto.

The Penguins have already begun selling off assets, as evidenced by Lars Eller’s recent trade to the Washington Capitals for draft picks. With the team facing what increasingly looks like a lost season, more moves could be imminent.

Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken find themselves in a challenging position, neither strong enough to contend nor weak enough for a high draft lottery spot. Currently sixth in the Pacific Division, they sit just one point ahead of the last-place Anaheim Ducks, forcing the team into a decision: rebuild from the ground up or retool their roster.

A full rebuild seems unlikely, as the Kraken would probably prefer to reshape their roster rather than start over entirely. To do this effectively, they’ll need to clear cap space, which could make them sellers if they fall further out of contention.

Rumored trade pieces include Yanni Gourde, Brandon Tanev, and defenseman Will Borgen, along with goaltender Philipp Grubauer, whose role has been diminished with Joey Daccord stepping in as the future of the crease.

For the Maple Leafs, however, these rumored names wouldn’t significantly address their weaknesses. Instead, the Kraken’s most appealing players would be **Jared McCann**, who could add consistent depth scoring, or **Vince Dunn**, a defenseman capable of filling Toronto’s glaring need for a reliable top-pair blueliner.

That said, the Kraken are unlikely to part with McCann or Dunn unless their season completely derails. Should that happen, either player could provide a substantial boost to the Leafs in their pursuit of a deep playoff run.