One can argue the last thing the struggling Leafs need is another aging player. But hear me out. The Leafs don’t have many assets to trade. For the Predators, this would be more about moving the remainder of the contract; three more seasons after this one at a $5.5 million cap hit.
The Leafs would still have to trade assets, but it wouldn’t be as costly as other trade targets they’ve looked at.
Marchessault, 34, would have to consent via his full no-movement clause, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he would consider the Leafs, where he would get a top-six role skating alongside either Auston Matthews or John Tavares.
Again, I can see how some Leafs fans just want the whole thing rebuilt now and no more trades for veterans. But with the team not having its first-round picks in 2026 or 2027, and the standings still very tight, general manager Brad Treliving isn’t ready to wave the white flag just yet.