Maple Leafs Trade Watch: Who’s Coming and Who’s Going? – August 2025 Update
Maple Leafs trade rumors
The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again at the center of NHL trade discussions. As the 2025-26 NHL season inches closer, general manager Brad Treliving and his team are actively exploring the market to make final adjustments to the Leafs roster. With a solid core in place but plenty of pressure from fans and media, this offseason could be pivotal in shaping the team’s future.
Why This Trade Window Matters
The Leafs have had a frustrating playoff run over the last few seasons. While stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander continue to shine in the regular season, postseason performance has consistently fallen short. The upcoming season is viewed as a “make or break” year for many in the Leafs’ front office.
Making the right trades now could mean the difference between a second-round exit and a true shot at the Stanley Cup.
Players Who Might Be on the Move
Let’s take a look at some of the names rumored to be on the trade block:
1. Mitch Marner (RW)
Status: Unconfirmed, but high speculation.
Reason: Marner has one year left on his contract with a hefty cap hit. Some insiders believe the Leafs may consider moving him for defensive depth or goaltending help.
Potential Trade Destinations: Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, or Calgary Flames.
2. Nick Robertson (LW)
Status: Trade candidate.
Reason: Despite flashes of brilliance, injuries have slowed his development. A change of scenery could benefit both sides.
Potential Trade Destinations: San Jose Sharks, Arizona Coyotes.
3. Conor Timmins (D)
Status: Depth defenseman.
Reason: With younger defensemen developing quickly, Timmins could be moved for a late pick or prospect.
What the Leafs Need
1. Top-4 Defenseman
While Morgan Rielly remains a top contributor, Toronto needs a physically imposing, shutdown defender who can stabilize the blue line in high-pressure playoff moments.
2. Backup/1B Goaltender
Joseph Woll has promise, but injury concerns still loom. Adding a reliable veteran goalie to split the load with Woll could be crucial.
3. Cap Flexibility
Any trade that gives the Leafs breathing room under the salary cap would be welcomed—especially with several contracts nearing expiration.
Top Trade Targets for Toronto
Some players the Leafs are rumored to be pursuing:
Juuse Saros (G – Nashville Predators)
Elite-level goaltender.
Could be a long-term solution if traded and re-signed.
Noah Hanifin (D – UFA, formerly Calgary Flames)
Big, mobile defenseman.
If a sign-and-trade deal happens, Hanifin could bolster the Leafs’ blue line instantly.
Adam Henrique (C – Anaheim Ducks)
Veteran leadership and depth scoring.
Cheap and experienced playoff player.
Leafs’ Current Roster Situation (As of August 2025)
Position Player Cap Hit
C Auston Matthews $13.25M
RW Mitch Marner $10.9M
LW Matthew Knies $925K
D Morgan Rielly $7.5M
G Joseph Woll $766K
The high cap hits on top stars give the Leafs little room for error. If Marner is moved, that could unlock massive flexibility to address multiple needs.
What Are Fans Saying?
Toronto fans are torn. Many love Marner and believe he should retire a Leaf. Others argue that the team’s salary structure is top-heavy and needs change to win when it counts.
“I love Mitchy, but if we can turn him into a top D and goalie, we need to do it,” says fan Paul J. on Twitter.
“Don’t trade Marner! He bleeds blue. It’ll be another mistake like Kadri,” says Leafs fan Alicia K.
What’s Next?
Pre-season Camp Opens: September 15, 2025
Trade Deadline: March 3, 2026 (still months away, but early trades are common in contract years)
NHL Regular Season Starts: October 9, 2025
Expect things to heat up quickly in the next few weeks.
Final Thoughts
If the Leafs truly want to change their fate, bold moves may be necessary. While holding onto stars has value, the NHL is a business—and winning in May and June matters more than jersey sales.
Fans should brace for potential big changes. Whether that means saying goodbye to a fan-favorite or welcoming a defensive beast, one thing is clear: the Leafs are not standing still.
What do YOU think? Should the Leafs trade Marner or run it back with the current core? Let us know in the comments below or on our social handles!
Written by the CanadaSportsNow Team