Maple Leafs’ trade deadline ‘win’ would be stockpiling picks, prospects

wcc

Mar 3, 2026 - 19:25

0 2

Maple Leafs’ trade deadline ‘win’ would be stockpiling picks, prospects

The Toronto Maple Leafs see their playoff chances shrinking fast in the 2024-26. They have resumed the NHL season after the Olympic break with four straight losses. Toronto now sits at 27-24-10 and seventh in the Atlantic Division. After years of regular-season success, this group looks closer to the edge of missing the postseason than securing a spot.

Their recent losses has sparked debate about what would count as a win at the trade deadline. Jay Onrait asked Bryan Hayes what could possibly satisfy Leafs fans by 3 p.m. on deadline day. Hayes did not hesitate with his answer.

“I think the more selling the better, Jay,” Hayes said. “I think the accumulation of as many draft picks and as many prospects as possible and try to turn over as much of this roster as possible, that’s a win, right? A commitment that this isn’t a one-off season, that this isn’t about injuries accumulating and that’s why they’re in the position they’re in.”

In Hayes’ view, this season has not been a fluke caused by injuries or bad luck. He described it as a disaster from start to finish.

“I don’t get the impression like there’s any Maple Leaf fan out there, even the most eternal optimist, that believes this is just a fluky season gone awry,” Hayes said. “This has been a disaster all year. They’ve been awful all season.”

What would it take for Maple Leafs fans to be satisfied after the trade deadline? Bryan Hayes (@HayesTSN) joins @JayOnrait to discuss. pic.twitter.com/D9Pf9hlFTI— JayOnSC (@JayOnSC) March 3, 2026

Maple Leafs’ Playoff disappointments over the years

Toronto has reached the playoffs nine straight times in the Auston Matthews era but has won only two rounds. Since 2002, the franchise has just three series wins. Hayes suggested that fans no longer buy into the idea of minor tweaks fixing deep issues.

Hayes called for a long-term reset built on future assets.

“So I think a win would be Brad Treliving and the organization committing to having to fix significant pieces, but also committing to the future of this team,” Hayes said. “…This cannot be a tunnel vision scenario where Treliving thinks specifically about the 26-27 season. He’s got to be thinking of draft picks and prospects because they’re going to miss the playoffs by a lot.”

The Leafs allow 3.43 goals per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. Their power play has dropped to 19.6 percent, while the penalty kill sits at 83.1 percent. Even with Matthews leading the team with 26 goals and William Nylander producing for the team with 56 points, consistency has vanished.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34), defenseman Morgan Rielly (44), forward William Nylander (88), and forward John Tavares at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Hayes even warned against swapping younger pieces for players in their prime just to chase a quick turnaround.

Hayes talked about Maple Leafs missing first round pick

Toronto may not even hold its first-round pick if the standings do not fall in its favor. Hayes said missing the playoffs without gaining premium picks would leave fans frustrated for months.

“If you’re going to miss the playoffs and it’s going to be a disaster and you don’t have at least a first round pick that you’ve acquired at this trade deadline, it is going to be a death march until July 1st for Leaf fans,” Hayes said. “It’s already excruciating enough.

“So a win would be a commitment to the future, not next year, but three years down the road, five, seven years down the road, … That’s a win. Understand it’s not a retool. It’s got to be bigger than that. It’s got to be deeper than that. You’ve got to get picks. You’ve got to get prospects.”

For Leafs, anything less would feel like another short-term patch on a long-running problem.