Despite a three-game winning streak, the Toronto Maple Leafs deadline plans should remain the same
TSN: Chris Johnston on Early Trading on the Toronto Maple Leafs and if their three-game winning streak has altered their plans ahead of the March 6th NHL trade deadline.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Glenn Schiiler: “You mentioned the Maple Leafs. They have turned things around a little bit before heading into their break after a third straight win through Western Canada Tuesday night. Could this recent stretch impact their approach at the trade deadline, Chris?”
Johnston: “I don’t think it changes anything from a process standpoint for management. And look, you can see the message from the players, they’re not ready to throw in the towel on this season. They believe that they actually found a little bit of their mojo on that trip through Western Canada. Getting those wins and maybe narrowing, at least the math that they’ll face when they get back after the Olympics in terms of what it will take to get back in the playoffs.
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But from the Brad Treliving’s side of things, that the Leafs front office, they have started garnering and engaging what their players are worth on the market. And I don’t expect a three-game winning streak, and even perhaps, if it extends beyond the break, where the Leafs win a couple games out of the break. Don’t believe that’s going to material or alter what this front office wants to do.
And really they’re looking at the second layer of players on the roster. You’ve heard the names pending UFAs, like a Bobby McMann. Who played well in Edmonton and has been tied to rumors, with the Edmonton Oilers potentially having interest there. Scott Laughton is a pending UFA, Simon Benoit, perhaps a Brandon Carlo or Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
I mean, all these, these names, I think the Leafs are going to get a good sense over the break in terms of what the value is for them on the market. Monitor those decisions, and as we get closer to March 6th, I do still think you’re going to see the Leafs sell to some degree.
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So, barring a real unexpected change of heart, I don’t think really the position changes for where the Leafs are at based on this winning run. But I do know the players would like to change management’s thinking on that.”
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