NHL Trade Deadline Grades: Toronto Maple Leafs

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The Toronto Maple Leafs, under the watchful eye of GM Brad Treliving, aimed to address crucial gaps in their roster as they load up for another playoff run- namely a third-line center and defensive depth. They did so pretty well by acquiring Brandon Carlo from the Bruins and Scott Laughton from the Flyers. While the moves certainly add some grit, the question remains: is it enough to truly contend in the cutthroat Atlantic Division?

What the Maple Leafs Gave Up:

  • First-round picks and prospects: The exact nature of these are not stated, but the cost was clearly high.

What the Maple Leafs Acquired:

  • Brandon Carlo (D): A 6-foot-5, 220-pound right-shooting defenseman.
  • Scott Laughton (C/LW): A versatile forward with penalty-killing prowess.

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The Verdict:

Carlo is undeniably the crown jewel of this deadline for the Leafs. He addresses a long-standing need for a reliable partner for Morgan Rielly, providing size, stability, and a strong defensive presence. His contract, running for two more seasons at $3.48 million, is also a significant asset. The Leafs’ top-four defense now looks way more robust, with Carlo complementing Rielly and Tanev anchoring the other pair.

Brandon Carlo | (Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

However, Laughton’s acquisition leaves more to be desired. While he brings versatility and penalty-killing skill, his fit as a true third-line center is questionable. The Leafs have struggled to fill this role, and Laughton feels like a stopgap rather than a definitive solution. The fact that Philadelphia retained half of his salary is a positive, but it doesn’t change the fundamental question of his suitability.

Treliving’s insistence that these moves weren’t a direct response to the Panthers and Lightning’s acquisitions rings somewhat hollow. In a division where those two teams are aggressively loading up, simply “being aware” isn’t enough. The Leafs needed to make bold moves, and while Carlo is a significant addition, Laughton feels less impactful.

The decision by the Bruins to trade Carlo within the division is perplexing. It provides a significant boost to a direct rival, which raises questions about their own strategic thinking. There was also some rumours that Mitch Marner may be available, though Treliving said afterwards he wants Marner in Toronto for the long-haul.

The pressure is now squarely on the players. Auston Matthews’ public desire for reinforcements has been met, but the real test lies in their ability to perform in the postseason. The remaining games against the Panthers and Lightning will be crucial in determining the Leafs’ playoff seeding and potential matchups.

Ultimately, the Leafs’ deadline was a mixed bag. Carlo is a home run, but Laughton feels like a less decisive move. The team has improved, but whether it’s enough to overcome their formidable division rivals remains to be seen.

Final Grade: B- – Carlo’s acquisition is a major win, but the uncertainty surrounding Laughton and the overall response to the division’s arms race leaves room for doubt.