Insider on Maple Leafs Deadline Plans: Players Who Are Still A "Hard No"

Insiders across the NHL are trying to get a handle on what the Toronto Maple Leafs' plans are heading up to the March 8th trade deadline, and so far, it seems that nothing impactful is in the offing at this time. David Pagnotta explained on NHL Network:

Brad Treliving has been active and they are busy, but they are cautiously looking at their options. And it doesn't sound to me like they have much of a willingness to pay a premium for a short-term addition.

He notes that the Leafs are certainly interested in defensemen Chris Tanev of the Calgary Flames as well as Sean Walker and Nick Seeler. Pagnotta says Toronto actually turned down an offer from the Philadelphia Flyers of Walker and Seeler for a first-round pick.

Most importantly, says The Fourth Period insider, discussions with any team are quickly shut down when either of their top two prospects gets mentioned:

It's gonna come down to the price... Teams are asking for guys like Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, and so far that's a hard 'no.'

And with their play so far this season, it's hard to blame the Leafs, who are short on high-level prospects as it is. Minten has been rocking with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL, notching 11 goals and 22 points in 18 games, including this dazzling game-winner:

MINTEN CALLED GAME!!!!!!@MapleLeafs | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/8F7w9nHMSm
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) January 29, 2024

Minten also has a plus/minus of +11.

Cowan has really been lighting it up in junior; he's with the London Knights of the OHL and has racked up 22 goals and 64 points in 36 games.

Easton Cowan isn’t eligible for the AHL until 2025-26…wouldn’t be shocked to see the Leafs give him a legit chance to crack the roster next year https://t.co/IBPHVAZT1f
— Аlex Hobson (@AHobsonMedia) February 4, 2024