The Toronto Maple Leafs have a reputation for making things more exciting every time they step onto the ice. Last week, it appeared they were out of playoff contention as they embarked on a four-game road trip along the West Coast after losing five consecutive home games and falling eight points behind the playoff line. Things worsened when they lost to the Seattle Kraken, leaving them 10 points away from the last wild-card spot. At that point, rumors surfaced that Toronto might become sellers ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, which seemed logical given their struggles. The team continued to fall in the standings with successive losses, casting doubt on their streak of playoff appearances—the longest in NHL history—being kept alive.
However, a turnaround occurred after victories against Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, which shifted their position. Now, they’re just six points behind the final Wild Card spot, currently held by the Boston Bruins. The Leafs finally capitalized on power-play opportunities against the Oilers, including a successful 5-on-3, clinching their third consecutive win and rejuvenating their playoff hopes just before the Olympic break. Head coach Craig Berube emphasized the importance of returning ready from the hiatus, praising the team’s effort during the trip.
This development prompts the question: what is next for Toronto? In recent years, the Leafs’ trading record hasn’t been stellar. For example, deals like acquiring Brandon Carlo from the Bruins and trading a first-round pick for Scott Laughton didn’t produce the expected results, leading many to believe they overpaid for those players. Currently, Toronto might have the opportunity to recover assets either by trading off key players or making strategic moves, especially if they continue to slide in the standings and miss the playoffs altogether.
Recent losses, such as a 5-2 defeat to the Kraken, have diminished their standing further. Nonetheless, they possess some trade chips, including unrestricted free agents like Bobby McMann—who scored 19 goals last season—and Scott Laughton, both of whom could fetch valuable assets. Other players such as Carlo and Simon Benoit are also potential trade options to bolster future picks. If the team remains out of playoff contention, a rebuild might be widely supported by fans. Yet, some believe waiting a bit longer after the break could still provide an opportunity to turn things around if conditions improve.
Despite this, TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that the team’s management remains committed to evaluating their options, indicating they might still pivot towards selling as the deadline approaches, regardless of their recent mini-surge. Fans who wish to see the team in the postseason might find this disappointing, but the reality is that this season feels more open than usual. Aside from the Colorado Avalanche, few teams seem unstoppable, and even with some injuries, Toronto still has enough talent to compete. Teams like the Bruins, Sabres, Canadiens, and Red Wings are higher in the standings, but playoff football is a different story altogether.
The season has been marked by fluctuations, injuries, and roster adjustments. Despite setbacks like the loss of key players Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Chris Tanev—who are all important—the team has demonstrated resilience. General Manager Brad Treliving responded to criticism about injury management, asserting that the club’s approach remains sound. Notably, Auston Matthews has returned to his dominant form, William Nylander is excelling, and recent games have shown that when the Leafs play cohesively, they are still a competitive team.
The current landscape suggests hope, even amid uncertainties, especially considering the potential impact of the Olympic break, which might disrupt team momentum or lead to unforeseen injuries. As Berube pointed out, the post-Olympics period remains unpredictable, and teams will need to be ready to capitalize or adapt accordingly.
Fan Take: This rollercoaster keeps hockey fans hooked—seeing the Leafs claw back into playoff contention reminds everyone of the unpredictability that makes the NHL so exciting. Whether they rise or fall, this season underscores how every game can change a team’s fate and keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
