Overview
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports Toronto is exploring hockey trades that swap roster players rather than spending futures.
- Core pieces remain off-limits, with Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, Chris Tanev, and goalies Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll cited as protected.
- Futures are also being held, with Easton Cowan and a 2028 first-round pick not in play, according to the reporting.
- The club sits on a five-game losing streak and 28th in the NHL, four points outside a playoff spot, intensifying urgency for change.
- Non-core veterans are being discussed as potential trade chips, including Max Domi and Brandon Carlo—both with modified no-trade clauses—as well as names like Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, Calle Jarnkrok, and Simon Benoit, with needs centered on adding puck-moving help on defense.