NHL News: Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs reportedly left with no choice but to move on from one of key depth trio

The Toronto Maple Leafs face critical hours ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. With Auston Matthews and company picking up the pieces after Mitch Marner’s departure, new moves could hit town. As reported, one or more of the depth trio of forwards could be dealt.

The Maple Leafs have been through a long, wearing summer. Matthews can no longer see Marner speeding down the boards when he looks at his side on the ice. It’s a new beginning—for better or worse.

The NHL is anxiously waiting to find out what version of the Leafs they will get when the season begins in October. Will it be a sequel of the crestfallen side that was knocked out in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Or has a new monster awaken from the depths of the Humber river?

Whatever face the Buds put on to start the 2025–26 NHL campaign, it will be a different one. Much has changed since their past season came to an end. Moreover, Toronto could be eyeing further tweaks, with reports suggesting a group of three forwards might have its days numbered. The targets? Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Nicholas Robertson.

Nick Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs

“The Leafs could still ship out one or more of Kampf, Jarnkrok or Robertson before the season begins,” The Athletic’s insider Chris Johnston stated. “They’ve been reluctant to part with Robertson because of his age-related upside.“

see also

NHL News: After disappointing production on prove-it deal, Maple Leafs give up on brother of Auston Matthews’ star teammate

Losing traction

Toronto isn’t overly thrilled to deal Robertson away, but the organization isn’t naive, either. The 23-year-old winger is the strongest trade chip out of the three forwards rumored to be entering the trade block.

Robertson’s size has notably hindered his value in the lineup. General manager Brad Treliving is known to favor bigger forwards, as recent additions like Nicholas Roy and Dakota Joshua underline.

Too many men

The Maple Leafs simply don’t have another choice but to move on from some players on the roster. Toronto currently has 14 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goalies on the team. It’s sitting right on the edge of the 23-man active roster limit, but will be over it once Michael Pezzetta joins.

The Leafs need solutions, and they need them fast. So far, they haven’t had luck in their active search for trade partners for Kampf and Jarnkrok, but Robertson’s appearance on the trade block could change that.