The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to evaluate their options ahead of the March 7 trade deadline, with the team expected to strengthen the middle-six by adding a forward to their lineup. NHL insider Chris Johnston appeared on TSN’s “OverDrive” on Monday and confirmed earlier reports saying that Toronto could consider moving top prospects Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten.
Those two, however, would only depart in a deal for a significant player in return. “If they’re giving up one of their top prospects, it’s for a clear upgrade,” Johnston said. “They still got draft picks–you’ve got a first-round pick next year (2026). I think there are other moves that they can make that don’t involve Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten. “I think if you’re giving up one or both of those players, potentially, it’s a pretty significant deal.”
As Johnston pointed out, the Maple Leafs have first-round picks to trade starting in the 2026 NHL draft. They already moved their upcoming 2025 first-round pick in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. With less than a month remaining before the deadline, however, Johnston thinks the Maple Leafs still appear to be a bit lost and searching for clarity.
“My sense is the Leafs don’t even have a full picture yet of what’s available (at the) trade deadline,” Johnston said. “I don’t think it’s a case where they have one target. Obviously, they have a list of names of players that could potentially fill especially that third-line center role. “It seems to me that they need to figure out who’s selling and what they’re selling.” Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Easton Cowan (53) plays the puck. David Kirouac-Imagn Images David Kirouac-Imagn Images Sportsnet analyst Justin Bourne echoed Johnston’s sentiment about Toronto potentially moving one of their best prospects.
Bourne argued that Toronto should look beyond depth acquisitions and aim for a game-changing move even if that means trading one of Cowan or Minten.
