{"id":454192,"date":"2026-02-11T09:09:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T09:09:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/454192\/"},"modified":"2026-02-11T09:09:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T09:09:42","slug":"maple-leafs-news-rumours-matthews-groulx-oel-roy-trades-the-hockey-writers-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/454192\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Matthews, Groulx, OEL & Roy Trades – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> could be coming out of the Olympic break with plenty of questions and a lot of hope. Momentum has been swinging like a pendulum this season, and Auston Matthews\u2019 performance in Italy might just tip the scales. <\/p>\n

Related: Maple Leafs Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines \u2013 Rielly\u2019s Future, Trade Rumours, Olympics Begin & More\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, there\u2019s some American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies action heating up and whispers of trade chatter that could shuffle the deck. Here\u2019s the latest from the Maple Leafs.<\/p>\n

Item One: Can Matthews\u2019 Olympic Run Kickstart Maple Leafs Momentum?<\/p>\n

Matthews is carrying more than his fair share of pressure heading to the Olympics. Not only does he have Team USA counting on him, but he\u2019s also got the Maple Leafs\u2019 fate dangling in the balance. Before the break, Toronto was riding a three-game win streak, sweeping the Western Canada road trip and topping it off with a huge win over the Edmonton Oilers.<\/p>\n

\"AustonTeam USA forward Auston Matthews (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

That streak was perfectly timed: just after a brutal stretch where they lost six straight and eight of nine games, a lot of voices were whispering about a potential shakeup once the Olympics rolled around. Matthews\u2019 performance on the international stage could be the spark the Maple Leafs<\/a> desperately need.<\/p>\n

Matthews has made the playoffs every year of his NHL career, and missing out this season isn\u2019t even on the table \u2014 not with him as captain. Leading Team USA while trying to lift one of the league\u2019s biggest franchises is no small feat, but if he rises to the occasion in Italy, that confidence and leadership could bleed directly back into the locker room in Toronto.<\/p>\n

Related: Olympics Could Change the Auston Matthews Hostility in Toronto<\/a><\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs are currently six points out of a playoff spot in a wide-open Eastern Conference. After the Olympic break, they have three huge Atlantic Division games coming up: the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Ottawa Senators. They\u2019re essentially must-win matchups. A strong Matthews showing on the world stage might be exactly what the Maple Leafs need to turn these tight games into momentum builders rather than nail-biters.<\/p>\n

Item Two: Groulx Shines in Marlies Win. Is a Maple Leafs Call-Up Next?<\/p>\n

Benoit\u2011Olivier \u201cBo\u201d Groulx<\/a> made everyone sit up and take notice on Saturday. He scored a goal and added two assists as the Marlies crushed the Springfield Thunderbirds 5-1. It wasn\u2019t just the points \u2014 it was the way he bounced back after a rare multi-game slump, reminding everyone why he\u2019s been a quietly consistent presence all season.<\/p>\n

\"Benoit-OlivierBenoit-Olivier Groulx, Toronto Marlies (John Mrakovcich\/Hartford Wolf Pack)<\/p>\n

For Maple Leafs fans who don\u2019t know who Groulx is, he is a 26-year-old centre from Rouen, France, standing 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds. Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2018 (#54 overall), he\u2019s bounced around a bit. He signed with the New York Rangers in 2024 and signed with the Maple Leafs<\/a> last summer. Over 44 games, Groulx has 21 goals, 18 assists, 100 shots on net, and sits at plus-9.<\/p>\n

Related: Ex-Maple Leafs Frederik \u201cGoat\u201d Gauthier: Where is He Now?<\/a><\/p>\n

Groulx\u2019s not a rookie, but he\u2019s been steadily proving he can handle a bigger role. With his offensive instincts and ability to impact play all over the ice, he\u2019s the kind of player who might be able to shake things up if called to the NHL. With some veteran forwards potentially moving before the trade deadline, Groulx could be next in line for a shot with the Maple Leafs. Toronto isn\u2019t rushing him, but if the opportunity arises, he\u2019s ready to step in and make an immediate impact.<\/p>\n

Item Three: Maple Leafs & Oilers Held Trade Talks, But Not McMann<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a new twist on some regular rumours. Before the Olympic roster freeze, the Maple Leafs and Oilers did have trade discussions. However, it was reported that it wasn\u2019t the usual Bobby McMann chatter fans were expecting. On Jeff Marek\u2019s The Sheet podcast, it was revealed that McMann\u2019s name didn\u2019t come up, but the Oilers had their eye on Nicolas Roy and . Roy\u2019s been a solid middle-six forward, and Ekman\u2011Larsson has filled an important role on Toronto\u2019s blue line. Both would help Edmonton address depth without parting with major pieces.<\/p>\n

\"NicolasNicolas Roy, Toronto Maple Leafs (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

This flips the usual story. McMann has been the hot name in Maple Leafs-Oilers trade talk, probably because he\u2019s cheap, effective, and a close-to-home player with a little extra spark against Edmonton. But insiders say Edmonton\u2019s focus might lie elsewhere, which could open doors for Toronto once the freeze lifts.<\/p>\n

From the Maple Leafs\u2019 perspective, players like Ekman\u2011Larsson and Roy are useful. If they decide to trade them and play their cards right, they could walk away with something better than just a mid-tier return. And even if Edmonton circles back post-Olympics, Toronto isn\u2019t desperate. They can see how the market shakes out and make a smart, strategic move.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for the Maple Leafs?<\/p>\n

The post-Olympic stretch will be telling. Matthews\u2019 performance in Italy, Groulx\u2019s potential call-up, and the trade actualities could all shape how the Maple Leafs approach the final leg of the season. They\u2019ve got three crucial games against Atlantic Division rivals. They can either close the gap in the standings or fall further behind. Depth, momentum, and a little bit of luck will play huge roles.<\/p>\n

Related: Whatever Happened to Ex-Maple Leafs Goalie Matt Murray?<\/a><\/p>\n

Right now, the Maple Leafs need wins. With some hot streaks, smart moves, and a captain firing on all cylinders, Toronto could finish this stretch stronger than anyone expected. After the break, we\u2019ll see if things slide. The post-Olympic landscape might force them to make some tough calls before the playoffs. Either way, it\u2019s shaping up to be a pivotal few weeks in Maple Leafs Nation.<\/p>\n

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