So far, the 2025 NHL offseason has been everything one would expect from the Toronto Maple Leafs—dramatic, tense, and downright frenetic. Mitch Marner is off the Las Vegas, leaving Auston Matthews and company staring at a big void in the lineup. However, that might change soon, as reports indicate the Leafs might be cooking something.
It might not always be for the best, but there is never a dull day with the Maple Leafs. The organization in Hogtown usually finds itself in the middle of every rumor in the NHL. After Marner’s departure, that saying has only become truer than ever.
Matthews and the rest of the team could make great use of a new star in the locker room, yet such players don’t become available in the NHL on such short notice. Therefore, the Leafs are on the lookout for any name that might swirl around in trade rumors.
Toronto hasn’t had much success with their strategy, but it isn’t planning on abandoning it any time soon. Or so do the reports around the league indicate. For all the Leafs know, Marner’s successor could be somewhere out there in the NHL.
Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs stretches during warm-up prior to action against the Montreal Canadiens in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 7, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
“I’d imagine the Leafs aren’t done,” insider Frank Seravalli said on Bleacher Report Open Ice. “If there’s a move to be made out there, if you think back to all the different names that have moved, they’ve been in on 60-75% of those players.”
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NHL News: Flames reportedly not on the same page as Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs amid Nazem Kadri trade speculation
Knocking on the door, but no one’s home
The Maple Leafs have seemingly found their top target in the NHL, but it might be a utopic match. Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri has been in Toronto’s sight for some time, yet the latter’s interest might not be enough to convince Calgary.
“I think there’s an openness to explore it, but I don’t think there’s any sense of urgency. I think Calgary is perfectly comfortable and planning to start the season with Kadri,” insider David Pagnotta said on Melnick in the Afternoon.
Sorry, not interested
The Flames have plenty of reasons to avoid doing business with the Maple Leafs. For one, they aren’t exactly thrilled to bolster a rival’s lineup. After Marner’s departure, Toronto might be dead to rights—and Calgary won’t be the one to toss them a lifesaver.
Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames skates during a break in play against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 22, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
“The Flames aren’t interested in moving him,” Seravalli reported. “Sources indicate Calgary really hasn’t engaged in any of the conversations. It would take a heck of an offer to take Kadri out of Calgary, where he’s engrained and embedded in the culture of the team.“
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The Maple Leafs might be playing a very risky game. If the rest of the NHL senses desperation on their part, the Leafs could jeopardize all their leverage in any trade conversation. So far, Toronto’s strategy hasn’t truly paid dividends. Unless Brad Treliving has an ace up his sleeve, the one-trick pony in The Six could have its days numbered.
