The Toronto Maple Leafs did not make a move prior to Wednesday’s 3 PM ET Olympic trade freeze.

Quite honestly, it didn’t make sense for them to make one this early anyway.

Despite the three game win streak to hit the break, according to multiple reports, deadline plans haven’t changed for the Maple Leafs, who find themselves six points out of a playoff spot with 25 games remaining. Boston’s the closest playoff team to them, but the bigger issue is the teams Toronto would have to climb to get in. Yeah, their chances remain grim. All this was self-inflicted, though. Never forget.

At any rate, we kicked off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take by discussing a variety of different topics. Firstly, we talked Gavin McKenna. What a bizarre story. Then, we hit on the Panarin trade, and what it could mean for the Bobby McMann market. For the record, we both think the Leafs should deal the 29-year-old winger. Brad Treliving needs to win this trade. It’s important.

We spent a good chunk of the podcast talking about the post-season. Are the Leafs done? The numbers seem daunting, but ultimately, we agreed that they definitely still have a shot. That said, they’re going to need an epic run to get back in this thing. Furthermore, the Leafs have six games remaining prior to the March 6th deal. We figure they should have a better understanding of where they’re at following the first three games of that stretch. Toronto’s expected to buy and sell, whatever that means.

After that, former NHLer and TSN Leafs Analyst Anthony Stewart dropped by for a chat. Long story short, Stew still believes. In fact, to wrap the interview, he predicted that Toronto WILL make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In addition to that, he doesn’t think the Leafs should trade McMann. In fact, he would re-sign him. Stew feels that the Leafs have been missing middle level guys in their lineup over the past decade. On top of that, he wondered what would be available this summer to replace McMann with. Additionally, he dished on who he thinks is the most catchable team in the standings, and what gives him belief that the Leafs can get this done.

Following the interview, we debated what the Leafs should do with Easton Cowan. Right now, it sounds like the rookie won’t be sent to the American Hockey League for the Olympic break. Instead, the Leafs will give him to chill and rest. We’re not crazy about that decision. Meantime, we think Matthew Knies and John Tavares will benefit the most from the time off.

No show on Friday, ditto for Monday. As mentioned on the podcast, we’re scaling down our programming for the Olympic break. We’ll be back with you for another edition of Leafs Morning Take on TUESDAY at 11 AM ET. Talk then!

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