Leafs' Depth Crunch: Three Players on Trade Block?

Following a significant trade that sent Matthew Knies to Columbus, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly looking to streamline their roster depth. Three players are now rumored to be on the trading block: Dakota Joshua, Miles Wood, and Philippe Myers. The common factor among them is Toronto's perceived overabundance of depth options. Dakota Joshua, currently on long-term injured reserve due to an abdominal injury, carries a $3.25 million cap hit. Moving his contract could provide crucial cap space for the Maple Leafs. Miles Wood presents a more unusual situation; despite being recently acquired from Columbus, reports suggest the Leafs attempted to trade him on the same day he joined the team. His lengthy contract, extending through 2028-29 with a $2.5 million cap hit, is a considerable commitment for a depth forward. Philippe Myers, the third player, has already cleared waivers and been assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies, signaling he is not part of the team's immediate plans. He could be moved as a secondary piece in a larger transaction or traded for a late-round draft pick. These potential moves are driven by a surplus of bottom-six forwards, with Joshua and Wood alone accounting for $5.75 million against the cap. Clearing even one of these contracts would offer Toronto greater flexibility to address injuries or capitalize on new opportunities. The timing of these potential deals varies; Joshua's injury complicates his marketability, while Wood's contract length is a potential hindrance. Myers, having already cleared waivers, may be the simplest to move. However, these are not confirmed transactions, and the Maple Leafs may ultimately retain all three players, with only the report regarding Wood's immediate trade interest being publicly noted.