Maple Leafs Trade Talks Intensifying on McMann, Laughton & Ekman-Larsson

And here we go... The Toronto Maple Leafs have scratched three key players from their game with the New Jersey Devils Wednesday night, for 'roster management purposes.'

NEWS: Maple Leafs scratching Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson tonight vs NJ, per @reporterchris & @FriedgeHNIC. #LeafsForever
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) March 4, 2026

That's a dramatic development in a short period of time, as head coach Craig Berube told the media earlier in the day that there would be no "roster management" scratches tonight.

All three players have been front and center in trade talks for the Leafs, as they look to do somewhat of a sell-off to bring in some much-needed pieces for a barren asset cupboard. Obviously, trade talks are intensifying as the Leafs want to protect the trio from potential injuries. A few outlets are reporting, however, that no announcements are imminent as of late Wednesday afternoon.

Both McMann and Laughton are pending unrestricted free agents, and contract talks on a potential extension haven't really gotten far. McMann is on a $1.35M cap hit, and Laughton at $3M, so either should be fairly easy for contenders to fit in, especially if the Leafs are willing to take a little retention.

OEL has been the Buds' top blueliner this season, and his stock has never been higher. He still has two years to run on a $3.5M cap hit.