Marchment trade signals another failure for Maple Leafs

"The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired the 30-year-old forward from the Kraken for a second and fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. That's a low, low price for a forward rumored to be high on several teams' radars. And that's a failure on the Maple Leafs' part. The club could have spared two draft picks, especially considering the price they've paid for other players."

"Unfortunately, the sad reality is that the Maple Leafs could not have fitted Marchment's $4.5 million cap hit under the cap even if they wanted to. GM Brad Treliving is pretty much handcuffed by the tight cap situation. At the moment, the Leafs have a little under $4 million in cap space. But that's due to Chris Tanev's contract on LTIR. If and when Tanev comes back, that cap space evaporates."

Columbus acquired 30-year-old Mason Marchment from Seattle for a second- and fourth-round pick in 2026, a surprisingly low return. Toronto could not match the trade because Marchment's $4.5 million cap hit could not be accommodated under the Leafs' tight salary-cap situation. The Leafs currently show just under $4 million in cap space due to Chris Tanev on LTIR, but that cushion will disappear when Tanev returns. GM Brad Treliving is reportedly seeking to move undesirable contracts like Matias Maccelli and Max Domi, while injured Brandon Carlo complicates trade options. Prior roster bets on Dakota Joshua and Nic Roy have seen mixed results, and Maccelli has not met expectations, creating organizational and fan frustration.

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