Maple Leafs Trade Rumors: Top 4 Assets Toronto Unlikely to Trade

Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs absolutely must do something at the trade deadline, most certainly by bringing in a center at least, and maybe another defenseman.

But they're not willing to just give away the farm, so to speak. Jonas Siegel of The Athletic states that there are four trade assets the Leafs are unlikely to give up, and he's broken them down into two categories: A 'very unlikely' tier, and an 'unlikely' tier.

We'll begin with the two assets that are as close to untouchable as you can get:

Easton Cowan

The Leafs first-rounder from 2023 is having another solid season in juniors (though lagging a bit behind last year's championship pace). He is the team's No. 1 prospect, and with a thin farm system as it is, it would be extremely difficult to justify giving him up. As Siegel writes, "The most (only?) conceivable Cowan trade scenario is a blockbuster that nets the Leafs high-end talent with term on their contract(s)." He cites someone like a Dylan Cozens as an example.

2027 First-Round Pick

The Leafs are without their first rounder in this year's draft, but do have them in '26 and '27. Siegel feels the '27 pick is slightly more valuable, "simply because there’s more unknown that much further into the future". He's specifically referring to the Leafs potentially being farther down in the standings at that point, and having a better selection. But he doesn't see them holding on to this pick for dear life. If they can significantly boost their chances now on a player with term, it could still go.

This next tier of assets is labelled 'We’re listening but don’t hold your breath’:

Fraser Minten

He's had a bit of run with Leafs this season, and hasn't looked totally out of place in his 15 games. Siegel notes the Leafs' love of the 20-year-old knows no bounds. "The organization adores his smarts, professionalism and maturity" and may even view him as valuable an asset as Cowan. The fact that Minten is a center, a position that's so much in need on the big club, boosts his value to the organization. "Only if they can get back a centre for the short and long term do the Leafs figure to consider moving Minten."

2026 First-Round Pick

Again, with the farm system bereft of a ton of talent, it would be difficult to give this up, especially topped with the fact that they don't have a first in 2025 either. But on the other hand, "this particular pick might hit the sweet spot for a trade. Moving it would allow the Leafs to hold onto Cowan and Minten." Plus the fact that the Leafs' window is open now, and they might be forced to move it to get the help they need to make a playoff run. Again, they're listening (with one eye on the present), but would rather not have to resort to trading it (with the other eye on the future).