Maple Leafs' trade deadline strategy depends on 2 players

Fansided | January 2, 2026

The Toronto Maple Leafs' entire trade deadline strategy could hinge on the futures of two players currently on the shelf.

May 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev (8) skates against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game one in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going through one of their worst injury periods in recent memory. While the Leafs have dealt with injuries in the past, it’s been a while since we’ve seen anything this bad.