10 players the Leafs should trade to successfully retool

"If you look at the core of this team, there are still good pieces. Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares are still three pieces you can build around, while Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby are good goaltenders. Unfortunately, the team's depth and defense needs a major upgrade. As a result, it's time to trade these 10 players and change the organization's future."

"He may be locked into a contract until 2030, but he's the only star player who doesn't have a no-trade clause. As much as Knies is a fan-favourite and a great player, he's not a core piece to an eventual Stanley Cup winning roster. This player is a huge trade chip and someone who can help spark a retool, instead of a rebuild, so if they want to speed up the process, he'll give the Leafs the most value."

The Toronto Maple Leafs are projected to miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade and the organization should use the opportunity to retool. Core pieces Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares remain as tradeable or foundational assets, while Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby provide goaltending depth. The roster lacks defensive strength and depth, prompting a recommended list of 10 players to trade for picks, prospects, or young defensemen. Matthew Knies is identified as the highest-value asset, capable of returning a first-round pick and A-level prospect. The plan emphasizes stockpiling draft capital and rebuilding the farm system.

Read at Editor In Leaf