The trade deadline is tomorrow, and Toronto still hasn’t made a move. But don’t worry—Brad Treliving is working the phones, and the latest reports has the Leafs eyeing a major defenseman.
At first, the New York Islanders seemed like a trade partner because of veteran center Brock Nelson. The Leafs reportedly had interest, which made sense—they could use a strong two-way center. But surprise, surprise! Insider Stefen Rosner revealed that Treliving actually called the Islanders about defenseman Scott Mayfield instead.
Mayfield, a 6’5″ defensive force, is locked into a seven-year, $24.5 million contract, making him a long-term piece rather than a quick rental. He’s not flashy—just two goals and seven points in 53 games—but he’s a +14 and plays the kind of shutdown defense the Leafs desperately need. Oh, and he’s a right-handed shot, which instantly boosts his value.
Is This the Right Move for the Leafs?
Let’s be real—Toronto needs defensive help. Mayfield would bring experience (over 500 NHL games) and size, something that could help the Leafs survive the grind of playoff hockey. But what would it cost?
The Islanders haven’t exactly confirmed their willingness to move him, and a trade package could get pricey.
❗️The Maple Leafs have “inquired” about Islanders D-Man Scott Mayfield.
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) March 6, 2025
The defenseman is in his second season of a seven-year deal worth $3.5 million per season and holds a full no-trade clause.
— @stefen_rosner #leafsforever pic.twitter.com/DDLMNuwi2k
Would Treliving consider a two-for-one deal and try to land both Mayfield and Nelson? That would solve multiple problems but would also cost the Leafs a lot.
Maple Leafs’ hopes of landing Mikko Rantanen just took a hit
Toronto Maple Leafs fans hoping for a blockbuster trade might need to sit down for this one. The dream of landing Mikko Rantanen just hit a major roadblock, and it’s not looking great for Brad Treliving and company.
The Carolina Hurricanes forward has been a hot name on the trade market, and the Leafs were reportedly in the mix. But now? Not so much.
Rantanen Still Playing, Leafs Still Waiting
Rantanen laced up his skates and played for the Hurricanes tonight—something that usually doesn’t happen when a player is on the move. Typically, teams keep trade candidates out to avoid injuries, but Carolina let him roll. What does that mean? Either they’re having second thoughts or just don’t care about trade rumors messing with their lineup.
For Leafs fans, this is already a letdown. But wait, it gets worse.
Leafs Turned Down a Big Trade Package
Insider Pierre LeBrun dropped another bomb—Toronto could have made the trade happen. But they reportedly refused to include young forward Matthew Knies in the deal. Rantanen has a whopping 70 points this season, while Knies sits at 31, but the Leafs see Knies as a key part of their future. Fair enough, but it means Toronto is no closer to adding Rantanen.
And just when it seemed bad, here comes Florida, Dallas, and Vegas to make things worse. Those three teams are now the frontrunners to land Rantanen, and if the Panthers pull it off, the Leafs will have to deal with him as a division rival. Ouch.
In case you missed it: Maple Leafs Midseason Roundup: Why exactly the Leafs are thriving this season
With the trade deadline looming, Leafs fans will be glued to their screens. Will Treliving pull off something big, or will Toronto come up empty? Tomorrow is going to be wild.