Many teams around the NHL were disappointed by their performance in the 2024–25 season, the New York Rangers, L.A. Kings, and Toronto Maple Leafs, to name a few. This usually means we’re in for an exciting summer in free agency and the trade market.
All but two teams are now in offseason mode, and many people are speculating that this summer will be the beginning of a new era in Toronto, with Mitch Marner and John Tavares both being unrestricted free agents on July 1. Matthew Knies also becomes a restricted free agent, so we could see some changes in the Leafs’ lineup come this October.
Here are some potential trade targets for the Leafs to consider for improvements going into next season.
Jonathan Marchessault – Nashville Predators
Nashville is rumoured to be looking into trading the 34-year-old veteran. He has four years left on his current contract, worth $5.5M per year. The Predators made some major free agent splashes last summer, signing Marchessault, Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei.
Marchessault scored 42 goals in the 2023–24 season for the Vegas Golden Knights. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in 2023, as a result of the Knights’ Stanley Cup run.
Frank Seravalli had Marchessault as the fifth-highest trade target on his NHL trade target list. However, a potential problem will be the lack of draft picks and prospects they can offer to Nashville in return. The Predators might accept a pick and a prospect if they can get most of his cap hit off their payroll, but they will likely have to retain some of his salary.
Robert Thomas – St. Louis Blues
After this season, some fans argue that the Leafs need a complete culture shift. Starting with not renewing Brendan Shanahan’s contract, the culture shift could continue if the Leafs trade for Toronto-born forward Robert Thomas.
The Blues have just over $5M in cap space according to PuckPedia. GM Doug Armstrong is not afraid to make big moves, like hiring Jim Montgomery and trading for Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks.
Thomas is making $8.125M until the 2030–31 season. The 25-year-old had 81 points in 70 games this year, including 40 points in 26 games after the 4 Nations tournament. So, getting him may be a long shot. The price will be high, so the Leafs may not be able to afford it.
Jared McCann – Seattle Kraken
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a previous 40-goal scorer on the Leafs alongside Auston Matthews? Oh… wait.. The Leafs had McCann but left him unprotected in the Seattle expansion draft.
Similar to Thomas, McCann has established himself as one of the best offensive players on his current team, putting up 61 points in 82 games on a below-average Kraken team this season. He is seen as a power play specialist who could give the Leafs another option on the man advantage.
Based on the Kraken’s performance over the last two seasons, they could be looking to regroup in their rebuild and get younger. I could see the Kraken giving up McCann for a player like Easton Cowan. New GM Jason Botterill could want to mould the Kraken into his vision of the team.
Rasmus Andersson – Calgary Flames
The Flames are reportedly looking into trades for Rasmus Andersson. Andersson scored 31 points in 81 games this season despite playing through a fractured fibula towards the end of the season. He has one year left on his current contract worth $4.5M per year. So the return could potentially be less than a guy like Thomas.
As a Flame, Andersson played for Brad Treliving before. He also played junior for the Barrie Colts. Even though Andersson has a no-trade clause that may look daunting, Andersson has a six-team “no-trade list” according to PuckPedia.
If they get him, Andersson would be a massive addition to the Leafs’ blueline, especially with Morgan Rielly trade rumours circulating. Andersson is a UFA after the 2025–26 season, so it’d have to be a “trade and sign” situation. However, it’s unknown which teams are on Andersson’s “no-trade list.”
JJ Peterka – Buffalo Sabres
Peterka has publicly requested a trade from the Sabres, and G.M. Kevyn Adams has expressed interest in shaking up his roster. Peterka is a pending RFA but would add some youth and speed to the Leafs’ lineup. Adams doesn’t want to trade Peterka, as he is one of their best prospects at only 23 years old.
He currently doesn’t have a contract. So, similar to Andersson, it would have to be a “trade and sign” situation. Many analysts believe that Peterka is due for a breakout season in the near future. It’s the end of an era in Toronto, and the Leafs may be looking to get younger.
The Leafs have their work cut out for them this summer. GM Brad Treliving and his staff will face some difficult decisions. So, get ready for an exciting couple of weeks ahead.
All good options for one reason or another. Andersson only comes if Rielly is moved. Hard to stomach having to trade for McCann when we have him away for free due to Dubas incompetence