Maple Leafs Reason for Lack of Trades Explained by Insider

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The Toronto Maple Leafs’ lack of trades has a simple reason as one notable insider explained succinctly as the trade deadline looms.

Earlier this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs, specifically GM Brad Treliving, vowed to make wholesale changes. This wasn’t a retool like the one the New York Rangers have embarked upon. Rather, it was upgrading in all areas possible.

The changes, however, have been sparse. There haven’t been any tangible moves. While a brief resurgence has breathed life back into the Maple Leafs’ playoff chances, questions remain about what, if anything, the team can do at this year’s trade deadline.

The answer seemingly lies in simplicity. Insider Chris Johston touched on this issue during an appearance on Early Trading. In the appearance, the notable insider focused on the key reason why the Maple Leafs have been unable to make any significant changes this season. Mainly, it’s the lack of assets to get anything done.

“The problem the Leafs have had all year long, and it remains a hurdle, is that they can’t get into the big game stuff, they just don’t have the 1st round picks and other assets. It may take some bargain hunting.”

Yes, bargain hunting is a worthwhile strategy. It’s one of the reasons why the Colorado Avalanche have been able to fill out their roster despite a similar lack of assets. For instance, Victor Olofsson was a successful low-cost addition last summer.

Similarly, the Avalanche landed discarded prospect Gavin Brindley from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Brindley has taken advantage of the opportunity to stand out in Colorado this season.

Those are the sorts of savvy moves the Maple Leafs have been unable to make. Without a magic bullet, Treliving has been woefully short of options.

Staying Put May Be Maple Leafs’ Only Recourse

Staying put may be the Maple Leafs’ only recourse this season. The lack of assets wouldn’t be such a major issue if the market were overflowing with options and sellers. However, the market is painfully scarce this season. Even teams with plenty of dry powder have been finding it tough to get deals across the finish line.

That situation means that the Maple Leafs might be better off just sitting this one out. The purported upgrades or deals would likely come during the offseason. Then, the waters would have calmed down, potentially making it easier to land solid pieces at a reasonable price.

That’s speculation, of course. But looking at the trends, it doesn’t take much to see where the Maple Leafs’ options lie.

Could There Still Be a Major Deal on the Horizon?

Yes, there’s always the possibility that a major deal could be on the horizon. A significant swap could land on the Maple Leafs’ lap. While that isn’t likely, there’s always the need to be vigilant. Some of the best business deals can happen unexpectedly.

But relying on such situations as a strategy isn’t really the best way to conduct business. There is a need to be proactive. That’s why no deal is far better than a bad one. The Maple Leafs have, unfortunately, made a series of bad decisions leading to the situation they are in now.

There’s the possibility that the Olympic break could give the Maple Leafs a chance to recover, recoup, and recalibrate. Then, the Leafs could go on a run in the sprint to the finish following the Olympics.

As it looks today, that might be a little too much wishful thinking.

Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan