Maple Leafs’ Perfect Trade Fit Might Already Be Locked and Loaded – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

New Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka has already reshaped his roster this offseason — landing the No. 1 pick in Gavin McKenna, adding size and depth up front, and retooling the blue line. But the Maple Leafs still have soft spots, and three teams in particular look like realistic trade partners as the season approaches.

Does this mean trades are imminent? No, not at all. But if the opportunities present themselves before or during the season, expect Chayka to be locked and loaded with a package that would make these respective teams pay attention.

Calgary Flames: Morgan Frost

Calgary’s rebuild has made center Morgan Frost a popular name in trade speculation this summer. Frost is entering the final year of a manageable contract and coming off a career year with 22 goals and 43 points. Flames GM Craig Conroy has signaled he’s open to moving almost anyone who doesn’t fit the team’s long-term timeline, and Frost could be an intriguing player to watch.

Daniel Austin of the Calgary Sun writes:

“Given the opportunity that lies ahead of him, Frost will surely want to put up big numbers this year and earn a bigger deal. It may be worth it for the Flames to give him that opportunity. Their salary cap isn’t an issue going forward, so if he has a great year they’ll be able to reward him.”

source – ‘Five questions for the Calgary Flames in the dog days of summer’ – Daniel Austin – Calgary Sun – 08-11-2026

However, if Frost has a huge season and wants to test the market, the Flames would be wise to trade him and sell high. For a Maple Leafs team still searching for center depth behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares, Frost checks nearly every box.

Expect Chayka to keep an eye on this player. The moment it sounds like Frost could be heading to the market, the Leafs GM might have an offer waiting.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Rust, Rakell… or Karlsson?

There seems to be this feeling that the Pittsburgh Penguins want to be more active than they’ve been. After dangling Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell (but learning the trade market wasn’t offering the ask Dubas wanted), there’s also Erik Karlsson, who is entering the last year of his contract.

If Pittsburgh is unlikely to be a playoff team, moving any of these three before they can walk for nothing makes sense. For the Maple Leafs, who were in on Zach Werenski, should he not leave Columbus, Karlsson potentially becomes an interesting Plan B option.

The Karlsson trade depends on his willingness to move, salary cap issues, and the return ask. He’s 36, but he remains a dynamic puck-mover on the right side. Karlsson likely wouldn’t take over for Darren Raddysh on the power play (which limits his effectiveness), but alongside Morgan Rielly, it would be an intriguing pair.

Admittedly, this is not a name most fans would expect, and there are reasons to be hesitant. However, Chayka might put a lowball offer together (with salary going back) to see if the Penguins or Karlsson bite. When it comes to Rust and Rakell, it’s got to be known by now what it would take to pry either player from the Penguins.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski

It’s no secret that the Maple Leafs were ready to make a move for Zach Werenski. That is, until he pivoted back and did a 180 on his decision to leave the Columbus Blue Jackets. The trade that could have been is off the table, for now.

Acknowledging where things are at today, there is still a chance a trade takes place. If the Blue Jackets struggle and if Werenski decides that he’s not ready to commit to a franchise that can’t seem to get its ducks in a row, the Maple Leafs would gladly jump back into this conversation. Only a handful of defensemen match the level offered by the reigning Norris Trophy winner.

Of course, the Leafs are interested. They’d likely be ready to trade Matthew Knies or a handful of other untouchables if Werenski comes over and is prepared to sign an extension. The assumption is that Chayka already had an offer ready to go. Hard to imagine it changes that much from what he was prepared to pay before Werenski changed his mind.