3 Trades That Would Make Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Favorites
Published: February 19, 2025
By ABC News Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs have long been a team brimming with talent, but despite their regular-season success in recent years, they’ve struggled to push deep into the postseason. As the 2025 NHL trade deadline approaches, many are asking: what moves can the Leafs make to put them over the top and finally lift the elusive Stanley Cup?
Here are three trade scenarios that would make the Toronto Maple Leafs instant favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
1. Acquire a Top Defenseman: Erik Karlsson
The Maple Leafs’ defense has been a question mark in recent seasons, especially when it comes to controlling the blue line in high-pressure playoff games. Enter Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks. The 33-year-old defenseman, known for his elite offensive capabilities and playmaking skills, could provide the Leafs with the dynamic weapon they need from the back end.
Why it makes sense: Karlsson is currently having a renaissance season, averaging over a point per game and is still capable of shutting down opposing offenses. Paired with Morgan Rielly, he could form one of the most dangerous top pairings in the league, while giving Toronto another power-play quarterback to complement their offensive stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. San Jose, rebuilding and looking for draft picks, could part with Karlsson in exchange for young talent and prospects.
The trade:
Toronto Maple Leafs: Erik Karlsson
San Jose Sharks: Timothy Liljegren, 2025 1st-round pick, and a 2025 2nd-round pick.
2. Boost Scoring Depth: Vladimir Tarasenko
The Maple Leafs’ top line is one of the most potent in the NHL, but their secondary scoring has been inconsistent. To address this, the Leafs could target Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues. The 32-year-old winger is a proven goal-scorer with playoff experience and could provide a significant boost to Toronto’s second or third lines.
Why it makes sense: Tarasenko has been a reliable scorer throughout his career and has the ability to elevate his game in big moments. Adding him would give the Leafs a multi-dimensional attack with the flexibility to distribute offensive duties across multiple lines. His experience and grit would be especially valuable in the postseason, where scoring depth often becomes the key to success. The Blues are in a rebuilding phase and may be open to trading a veteran like Tarasenko to secure future assets.
The trade:
Toronto Maple Leafs: Vladimir Tarasenko
St. Louis Blues: Alex Kerfoot, 2025 2nd-round pick, and a 2026 3rd-round pick.
3. Add Goaltending Stability: Connor Hellebuyck
While the Leafs have enjoyed strong goaltending from Ilya Samsonov, they still lack the kind of elite netminder capable of stealing games in high-stress playoff situations. Enter Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. The 30-year-old goaltender is a former Vezina Trophy winner and has consistently been one of the top goalies in the league.
Why it makes sense: Hellebuyck would give the Leafs a true No. 1 goalie who can handle the pressure of a playoff series and provide stability between the pipes. With his ability to steal games and maintain composure in the most intense moments, he would elevate Toronto’s chances in a seven-game series against the NHL’s top teams. Winnipeg, in need of a rebuild, could be inclined to trade their star goalie for a package that includes NHL-ready talent and draft picks.
The trade:
Toronto Maple Leafs: Connor Hellebuyck
Winnipeg Jets: William Nylander, 2025 1st-round pick, and 2025 3rd-round pick.
Conclusion: A Championship-Ready Roster
These trades would drastically improve the Maple Leafs’ roster by addressing their needs for a top-tier defenseman, a reliable scoring winger, and an elite goaltender. With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, Toronto could make the bold moves necessary to position themselves as the team to beat in the Stanley Cup race.
While there are risks involved with any trade, these acquisitions would provide Toronto with the depth, experience, and skill needed to finally end their championship drought. In a crowded Eastern Conference, these moves would give the Leafs the firepower they need to push through the likes of the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New York Rangers.
The clock is ticking, and if the Leafs front office makes these aggressive moves, the franchise might just see its first S
tanley Cup in over half a century.