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Maple Leafs analyst reveals the team's six untouchable players at the trade deadline


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Alexander Cole
January 29, 2026  (9:41 PM)
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Dec 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) and forward Auston Matthews (34) discuss a play against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs analyst Mike Johnson was on TSN 1050 "First Up" this past week, where he revealed some truth about the NHL trade deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have some very big decisions to make over the next couple of months, especially as it pertains to the roster.
Unfortunately, those decisions are not going to be easy, especially when you consider some of the major problems with the roster.
Having said that, analyst Mike Johnson believes there is a path forward for the Leafs to do some big things. However, there are six guys they cannot trade.

Who are the untouchables on the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Those six players are Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, William Nylander, Jake McCabe, Chris Tanev, and finally, goaltender Joseph Woll.
This list takes three incredible forwards, two solid defenseman, and a young goaltender who is still trying to find his way in the league.
If you are a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, you can probably understand these choices. However, there is still a lot that needs to be considered.
For instance, should the Maple Leafs opt for a rebuild, Nylander and Matthews would absolutely have to be the first ones to go.
This way, the team could move on from the Core Four and go through a complete reset. Of course, a rebuild would be a panic button scenario.
Clearly, the mere fact that we are talking about this is an indictment of the Maple Leafs' season.
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Maple Leafs analyst reveals the team's six untouchable players at the trade deadline

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