TSN's Chris Johnston revealed what the Maple Leafs are willing to give up if they wish to make another blockbuster like the Kirill Marchenko-Matthew Knies trade.
Monday evening came with a massive trade as the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets decided to get the 2026-27 season started off with a bang. Toronto traded Matthew Knies among other pieces to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Kirill Marchenko. It blew everyone away and came just as the NHL was to finalize the rosters for the year.
But the Maple Leafs may not be done making moves, as the team now has a bit more cap space to work with thanks to some savvy maneuvering, and one insider believes they have the pieces to get it done too.
John Chayka may have another blockbuster up his sleeve
TSN's Chris Johnston believes that if Toronto GM John Chayka wanted to get another scoring option or perhaps a better defensive option then he has the assets to do so - and the team just might pull off another stunner:
The Leafs feel even after giving up Matthew Knies, who they viewed as their best young trade chip, that they still have other futures that they can move for ‘help now' solutions.
That includes the first-round pick of the Colorado Avalanche and some young prospects. I think they'll be looking to upgrade even in these early days of the season.
It would be something if Chayka were able to pull off another move, and it's clear he has the aggressiveness to get one done sooner than later. If the team does involve moving their 2028 pick then it's almost assured that they are going all-in.
Who could the Maple Leafs target?
If the team was worried about the scoring situation in the middle-six, then there are a few names the team could go after. Washington has several wingers who would help in that regard like Ethen Frank or Anthony Beauvillier; they could even go after Aliaksei Protas and add a monster power forward for a big price.
Or if they are able to convince Seattle GM Jason Botterill to trade away Jared McCann then he could be a solid option. Seattle is in a bit of a weird situation in terms of competitiveness, and adding assets who can help them now and in the future isn't a bad call.
Maybe Toronto brings in someone who Jim Hiller is also familiar with - Alex Laferriere. Los Angeles is going to need to bring in younger defensemen to replace their aging blue line, so you could see Ben Danford as part of a package to bring him in.
Add in a first-round pick, some NHL-ready prospects and suddenly LA is looking better going forward though parting with a 24-year-old is costly - so don't be surprised if Easton Cowan's name is thrown in the mix if Laferriere is a target.
Right now though, all we know is that the Maple Leafs are still reeling from trading Knies for Marchenko, but if there's anything we know about John Chayka: He's willing to make any move possible to help Toronto finally win.
Do you think Toronto has another trade in mind?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs make drastic decision involving Max Domi & Dakota Joshua