Leafs land 1st rounder: Nicolas Roy traded to the Colorado Avalanche

Toronto has traded Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for two conditional picks, a 2027 first round pick and a 2026 fifth round pick.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the first round pick in 2027 is top-10 protected, which would become an unprotected 2028 first if triggered.

Further, the Leafs would receive the lowest of Colorado's three 2026 fifth round picks, according to the official press release.

Roy, 29, is a right-handed center who was acquired in the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade from the Vegas Golden Knights where he spent six seasons.

Roy has five goals, 15 assists, & 20 points in 59 games for Toronto this season, largely appearing on the third line at center while playing on the penalty kill.

Colorado was a team linked to Roy, with insider Darren Dreger reported earlier this week that Roy was highly likely to be dealt by Friday's deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquire a reliable right handed third line center who can fill in on the penalty kill and adds some physical intensity and defensive IQ to the Colorado Avalanche roster.

Colorado has been eyeing a penalty killing 3C, someone who can feature on their second penalty kill, and get both areas back in Nicolas Roy.

Having been given as a throw-in for the loss of Marner, Toronto manages to flip Roy in exchange a first round pick after acquiring him for a player on his way out.

Further positivity for the Leafs is that they could get a protected first round pick if the Avalanche falter next season. While it may seem unlikely with Colorado's deep roster that includes Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, Toronto finds themselves in that boat now with Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

Toronto loses their third line center, but in the pipeline have been grooming rookie Jacob Quillan as someone who could take over for Roy's role in the bottom-six.

The move raises questions about the future of forward Scott Laughton, and if the Leafs will keep the center with Roy now dealt. Laughton was one of three forwards who sat Wednesday against New Jersey for trade protection related reasons.

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