Intriguing Trade Proposal Links Maple Leafs to Division Rival as Potential Replacement for Marner
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
A new article from Heavy.com links the Maple Leafs to a huge blockbuster that would see them mortgage their future for a chance at star forward Alex Debrincat.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs struggling to make a deal to bring in a top-six forward, their options are either try and find a cheap free agent, sign a veteran to a PTO in the hopes he can help out, or make a blockbuster happen for a superstar.
The latter is the scariest but most intriguing option, and with the loss of Mitch Marner it might be more realistic than at first glance. The team is going to struggle without him regardless of the pieces they brought in; so what if they went for broke?
Would the Maple Leafs Really Trade With a Division Rival?
That's what Cole Shelton of Heavy.com proposes, as his latest article has the Maple Leafs shipping out quite the extensive haul for Detroit's Alex Debrincat:
Maple Leafs Acquire:
(F) Alex DeBrincat
2026 Third-Round Pick
Red Wings Acquire:
(F) Easton Cowan
(D) Morgan Rielly
(F) Bobby McMann
2028 First-Round Pick
(F) Alex DeBrincat
2026 Third-Round Pick
Red Wings Acquire:
(F) Easton Cowan
(D) Morgan Rielly
(F) Bobby McMann
2028 First-Round Pick
First off, it's an immediate blockbuster that sees the Maple Leafs acquire a reliable and consistent 65-70 point scorer who has the ability to add 30+ goals as well. He's only 27, and would instantly make the top-six a force to be reckoned with and would be an immense boost to the power play.
Debrincat had 70 points in 81 games for the Red Wings last season (39 goals, 31 assists) and has 510 points in 614 career games (253 goals, 257 assists) since being drafted 39th overall by the Blackhawks in 2016.
However, trading so much within the division is a tough ask, and getting torched by their former players on a consistent basis isn't going to make things better.
Why This Trade Proposal Would Be Risky for Toronto
But looking at the package to get him you start to see a bit of hesitation. Not only is Toronto dealing away their top prospect yet again, but their #1 defenseman (who holds a no movement clause) and a blossoming power forward; plus another first round pick.
All that for Debrincat and a 3rd. There's a huge chance that the move will backfire spectacularly on the Leafs, and they are banking on him and Auston Matthews finding some American chemistry.
Pieces aside, the only way this could even work if the team was willing to deal Cowan would be to deal with Rielly's no movement clause. We know the team talked to him about a potential move earlier, but unless they are under immense pressure to bring someone in; it's going to be Rielly on the roster going forward.
What This Proposal Reveals About Toronto's Plans Without Mitch Marner
It means one of two things. Either Toronto has decided that they are waving the white flag on adding anyone, gonna give it their best this season, then head into 2026 free agency with more money and more names to choose from.
Or, they can go for broke and go all-in by mortgaging what little future they have left for a shot at immediate gratification. That has blown up in their face before, and it's very likely to happen again.
You can't rush talent, and there's a very good chance that Cowan can be a force in another few years, McMann is a late bloomer who still has 4-5 years of solid production, and Rielly is going to play a solid role as a #3/4 defender.
With the potential acquisition of Debrincat, plus the moves made this season: Is that enough to push Toronto over the top?
History says no, and as is often the case, will be doomed to repeat itself once again.
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