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Elliotte Friedman's latest comments about the trade deadline should concern Maple Leafs fans


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Alexander Cole
February 1, 2026  (11:22)
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Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Sportsnet host David Amber (left) and NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman (right) prior to the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place.
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is preparing for a massive trade deadline, and according to Elliotte Friedman, some plans are already in motion.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently in last place in the Atlantic Division, and remain eight points back of the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres for the final playoff spot.
Last night, they defeated the Vancouver Canucks, and have two more games before they officially go on the Olympic Break, which begins on Tuesday night.
Following the Olympics, the Maple Leafs will have just two weeks to figure out what they want to do during the trade deadline. For weeks, insiders have suggested that the Leafs need to be sellers.
While a full-blown rebuild is unlikely, a quick retool might be the correct way to go, especially when you consider how the playoffs are not looking like a possibility.

Elliotte Friedman on the Leafs' plans

Last night, Elliotte Friedman was on the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, where he was asked about the Maple Leafs and what their plans are right now.
It was here where the insider revealed that the Maple Leafs are, indeed, contemplating a retool. Brad Treliving is already calling around the league looking to sell off assets.
However, Friedman made it crystal clear that at this very moment, there is nothing groundbreaking, and nothing can truly be considered a "blockbuster."

For Leafs fans, this next month is going to be torturous, especially since the Olympic break will stall any trade talks or progress in the standings.
At the end of the day, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain one of the most fascinating teams in the NHL, whether you are a fan of them or not.
Over these next few weeks, we will continue to keep track of what's happening, and if this team ends up making some big-time deadline deals.
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Elliotte Friedman's latest comments about the trade deadline should concern Maple Leafs fans

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