NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving still 'active in trade talks' after dealing Timothy Liljegren to Sharks
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still working on possible trades and waiver moves after trading Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks. Leafs GM Brad Treliving is reportedly in talks with other teams and exploring waiver options to manage the team's salary cap.
An NHL insider page named 'Leafs Latest,' posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"Leafs GM Brad Treliving is reportedly still active in trade talks with other teams and considering options on the waiver wire. Defensemen Conor Timmins and Matt Benning, who came over from the Sharks in the Liljegren trade, are potential candidates to be moved or sent to the AHL if they clear waivers, to free up additional roster space."
In the Liljegren deal, the Leafs acquired defensemen Conor Timmins and Matt Benning from the Sharks. However, both Timmins and Benning might still be moved or placed on waivers to free up roster space. If they clear waivers, they could be sent down to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
This roster adjustment is necessary because defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar are close to returning from conditioning stints with the Marlies. When they are ready for full NHL action, the Leafs will need to manage their cap hits.
Calle Jarnkrok, currently on long-term injured reserve, also drew trade interest earlier this season. Forward Nick Robertson is still available for trade if Treliving finds the right return.
With these options available, it’s unclear what moves the Leafs will make next to stay under the cap while strengthening the team.
Toronto Maple Leafs's missing consistency
The Toronto Maple Leafs are trying everything they can but are still failing to win games. They are placed third on the Atlantic Division Standings below the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning with 14 points. The Leafs have lost five of their last seven games.
Maple Leafs are failing to score against teams like the St. Louis Blues, who defeated them in two consecutive games between the franchises recently. First, 5-1 and then again 4-2, leaving the Maple Leaf's offense in shame despite possessing the core four of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Mitch Marner.
But the Leafs are not only full of flaws, when did things right they have defeated some strong teams like the Winnipeg Jets 6-4. Toronto still has the edge in wins but they will need to turn things around and win more games to step into the playoffs and avoid uncertainty in the last quarter of the season.