Leafs Should Sell: Rebuild for Next Season

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be at a critical juncture, with their general manager, Brad Treliving, observed with MLSE CEO Keith Pelley ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. The team's current performance suggests a direction towards selling assets rather than acquiring them for a playoff push.

With less than a one percent chance of winning the Stanley Cup and a significant 79 percent probability of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the team is unlikely to contend. This situation puts them at risk of ending the season without a playoff spot and having missed an opportunity to gain valuable assets.

Key pending free agents Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann are identified as prime trade candidates. While recouping the first-round pick traded for Laughton may be improbable, trading both players could yield multiple premium picks and prospects. Even secondary players like Troy Stecher could be moved for an asset.

A deeper sell-off depends on the offers received for players like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo. Moving these players before the deadline could allow the Leafs to capitalize on other teams' desperation and secure needed trade ammunition for the offseason, preventing an over-reliance on free agency.

There's a potential conflict between the urgency to sell and the job security of Treliving, especially if the team experiences a winning streak before the deadline. Similarly, the future ownership changes for MLSE this summer could influence Pelley's decision-making, making the path forward for the Leafs uncertain but demanding action.