The Toronto Maple Leafs have started the day of the 2026 NHL Draft with a trade, but it is not the blockbuster involving Matthew Knies, the much-rumored exodus of Morgan Rielly, or even the expected move of righty Brandon Carlo, but shipping goaltender Samuel Ersson, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers in the Joseph Woll deal less than two weeks ago, to the division-rival Ottawa Senators for a 2027 fifth-round pick. The 26-year-old had a 14-11-5 record, 3.12 GAA, and .870 save percentage with the Flyers last season, but it was much speculated that the Leafs did not plan to give the restricted free agent a qualifying offer before June 30.
On Knies, the chances of the big power forward being moved appear to be dwindling by the minute, as a variety of reporters and insiders have indicated that Leafs GM John Chayka is looking for a haul for the 23-year-old, and most believe that Toronto has put his name out there to illicit offers in hopes that a desperate GM will overpay. The Leafs are looking to add another top 10 pick to bring in another young prospect to their talent pool, but also to replace Knies in the NHL lineup. If the draft gets past the top 10, then it is almost certain that the big winger will not be moved and will be on the roster next season.
Rielly seems to be in a holding pattern because Chayka is not receiving the kind of offers that he expected for the 32-year-old blueliner. It is expected that Toronto does not want to retain any salary and wants an actual return for him, instead of a deal where they jettison his contract. Rielly is still a capable defenseman; he’s just not a top-pairing blueliner. There is no need for the Leafs to get rid of him for nothing, but if there is a trade where they can bring back a significant asset or a player, then a trade could still happen.
In other Leafs news, the club is making more changes to its coaching staff, as Nick Alberga of Daily Faceoff reports that assistant coach Mike Van Ryn will not be returning. Van Ryn was brought in to join former head coach Sheldon Keefe’s staff and was carried over for the two years of Craig Berube’s tenure.
We will update as the day evolves, but there appears to be no drama when it comes to the top pick, as everyone believes that Gavin McKenna will be wearing Blue and White on the stage tonight.
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