Toronto Maple Leafs Top-3 Trade Candidates For 2026-27
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has made one thing very clear since taking over, the Leafs will be going all in for at least the next two seasons. Chayka has come in and made some significant roster changes throughout the offseason, and with some luck winning the lottery to select Gavin McKenna first overall, all of a sudden there's a ton of positive momentum surrounding the Maple Leafs.
Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, training camp officially kicks off next week and Chayka's going to be a fun GM to watch throughout the year, because he's very trade happy, and isn't shy to make a bold move, or two.
Here's the top-3 trade candidates at Chayka's disposal heading into the 2026-27 season:
Easton Cowan
With Matthew Knies locked in and Gavin McKenna arriving, Easton Cowan better learn to play on the right side, or he'll never get top-six minutes. Cowan had himself a great rookie season, playing mostly with John Tavares and William Nylander, and showcased that he's strong enough to compete in the NHL. The former first-round pick posted 29 points in 66 games, and is certainly the best trade chip Chayka has at his disposal.
Anthony Stolarz
It's going to be interesting to see how much Sergei Bobrovsky starts, and how much Anthony Stolarz pushes him for the starter's crease this season. While the duo did big things with the Florida Panthers during their Stanley Cup run, Stolarz is in a weird spot because the Maple Leafs are going to have three goalies on one-way contracts after this season. There's potential that he's dangled ahead of the trade deadline, depending how well Artur Akhtyamov is playing with the Toronto Marlies. The Russian goaltender is one of the best goalie prospects in the league, and also happens to have Bobrovsky as his idol and now, new mentor.
Philippe Myers
It feels like Myers will 100% be traded before the start of the season, as the Leafs' defence core is very crowed on the right side. Myers was up and down all of last season and while he played solid during the AHL Calder Cup run, there's going to be onlooking teams who are interested in acquiring the lanky righthander. Myers sits 10th on the Leafs depth chart, but there could be some trade interest as the Anaheim Ducks could swoop in before the start of the season.