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Maple Leafs reach desperation trade level and the Red Wings could capitalize on the opportunity


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Julien Trekker
November 16, 2025  (4:41 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings logos
Photo credit: NHL.com

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reached a new level of desperation, and the Detroit Red Wings are in a position to capitalize on the opportunity to complete a trade.

The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't had the start to the season they hoped for. After a massive offseason that saw Brad Treliving let Mitch Marner leave for the Vegas Golden Knights and many players join the bottom six, the team hasn't been able to keep the rhythm of prior seasons, with an 8-9-2 record so far.
In a recent interview, Elliotte Friedman shared insights on what's currently going on in Toronto.

Elliotte Friedman Reveals Leafs Are Desperate to Make Trades After Five Straight Losses

The renowned NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned during an intermission report that the tension in Toronto has reached another level and that changes are expected:
"You can feel the tension. It's one of those weeks where everybody is kind of sitting there waiting for something to happen."

Friedman also revealed that the Leafs aren't interested in trading prospects or picks and that they want to trade players for players.
In his own words:
"I don't think they want to trade futures. I really don't believe that they want to do that, and I include Easton Cowan in that.

They want to make hockey trades, roster for roster.

No, we're not talking about the core. We're not talking about the core, we're talking about other players on the roster."

A few players in Detroit have been included in trade rumors over the past few weeks. If Treliving looks to trade players for other players, the Wings could have a few candidates available.
Jonatan Berggren, Michael Rasmussen, Travis Hamonic, or Erik Gustafsson could tempt the Leafs, who could benefit from adding skill to their blue line as well as their bottom six.
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NOVEMBRE 16   |   565 ANSWERS
Maple Leafs reach desperation trade level and the Red Wings could capitalize on the opportunity

Do you think the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs will complete a trade?

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