As the NHL trade deadline approached, concerns grew that the Toronto Maple Leafs might not acquire a first-round pick in any deals. However, by trading Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Toronto secured a top-10 protected first-round pick in 2027, which is expected to transfer since the Avalanche are unlikely to finish in the bottom 10 next season. This development raises questions about whether the Maple Leafs can obtain additional first-round selections.
Current First-Round Pick Situation for Toronto
Toronto’s 2026 first-round pick comes with a top-five protection, meaning if it falls outside the top five, it will instead go to the Boston Bruins. Still, the Maple Leafs stand to benefit from acquiring more early draft picks to strengthen their long-term roster construction. With Nicolas Roy’s trade already yielding a valuable first-round pick, attention shifts to the remaining players on the trade market who could potentially bring similar returns.
Potential for More First-Round Picks Through Player Trades
The Maple Leafs’ remaining notable trade candidates are Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Bobby McMann, and Scott Laughton. Hockey insider David Pagnotta suggested there is a possibility Toronto could secure first-round compensation from these moves. Regarding Ekman-Larsson, Pagnotta remarked,
“I anticipate if they move OEL that a first-round pick or something of equivalent value will be part of that package.”
For Bobby McMann, the outlook is less clear. Pagnotta stated,
“With McMann, I know they’ve been pushing for a first in that return,”
but added,
“I don’t know if it gets there. I think if they were to allow a possible extension in place, that would probably secure it, but I don’t think that’s part of the equation yet, and I don’t suspect that they’ll go there.”
Scott Laughton’s trade value has diminished since last year, and the expected return is lower. As Pagnotta noted,
“With Laughton, you’re probably looking at a second-round pick and a prospect there.”
Implications of Adding First-Round Picks Before Deadline
If the Maple Leafs manage to add another one or two first-round picks before the deadline, it would represent a significant win for the organization’s efforts to rebuild and improve their lineup. Acquiring quality draft capital is crucial for Toronto to maintain a competitive balance and ensure ongoing roster development.
These moves come amid ongoing roster maneuvers and deadline speculation around players such as Auston Matthews, whose on-ice performance continues to affect team dynamics, and broader NHL discussions involving other teams’ dealings with notable athletes like Robert Thomas and Colton Parayko.
