Insider Names Toronto Maple Leafs' Most-Coveted Trade Assets

The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the trade deadline as clear buyers. At this point of the season, they are second in the Atlantic Division standings with a 36-20-2 record and have the third-most points in the Eastern Conference. Thus, they are in a position to make at least one splash.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, Fraser Minten, and Toronto's 2026 first-round pick are the players and assets that teams are asking about most in potential trades.

Sellers looking to add Cowan is entirely understandable. The 2023 first-round pick has extremely high upside and has had another strong season in the OHL with the London Knights. In 36 games, the 6-foot forward has 20 goals and 45 points.

Danford is another promising prospect in the Maple Leafs' system who could be a nice grab for a rebuilding team. In 53 games this season with the Oshawa Generals, the 2024 first-round pick has five goals, 21 points, 53 penalty minutes, and a plus-2 rating.

Minten drawing interest is also easy to comprehend. The 2022 first-round pick is one of the Maple Leafs' top prospects and has some NHL experience. In 15 games this season with the Leafs, he has two goals and four points. Down in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, he has six goals and 13 points in 24 games.

As for Toronto's first-round pick, they are in a position to move it if it results in them landing a high-impact player for the playoffs. The Maple Leafs are in win-now mode, and it will be fascinating to see what kind of moves they make from here.