When the Leafs were abjectly awful, which was seven months ago, they were rumoured to be trading everyone for picks. They didn't, and now they aren't (awful), so they're in every conversation about trades, waiver claims or magic incantations to acquire players.

Might they?

Well, they aren't doing a waiver claim because they have no SPC space, but that is a good reason to consider a trade. Another is the uncertainty around the health of their LTIR duo of Elvis Merzlikins and Max Domi. I would bet Merzlikins will be healthy and ready to play first, and if he is, the Leafs have to deal with that in some way – a trade, actually playing him in the NHL or AHL or something more creative.

They have too many depth defenders (still) and not enough actual top pairing defenders (still). They are missing some forward strength, would benefit hugely by Nick Paul of a few years ago and could also like handle a depth winger. They have Miles Wood, an unknown quantity, who may get to become more known soon. There's no reason to believe the team is very enthusiastic about that.

And all of this is happening while teams loudly refuse to trade for picks or very young, unlikely prospects.

Enter the talk about Easton Cowan – no they aren't trading him, it seems impossible that would make sense. And more talk about Ben Danford. I don't know, do you want to do the Fraser Minten deal again? You can, because that deal was a valid win now not later deal that blew up in Brad Treliving's face.

And consider that the Leafs haven't played 10 games yet, and they don't exactly look like contenders, so maybe pump the brakes on expectations for more exciting moves. Do they need defence:

In wake of Chris Tanev injury, Maple Leafs can't wait to add defenceman
As the Maple Leafs deal with their first blue line injury this season, Justin Bourne writes that they can't sit back and be patient after a good start, but have to look at ways to improve the defence now.
Sportsnet.caJustin Bourne

Yes. Can they just conjure it up? Seems like it would be a bit difficult, and the above has no magic solution.

Rangers weigh goaltending options after Shesterkin injury; Hellebuyck price too high
The New York Rangers are off to a hot start as they won for the sixth time in eight games to start the season Tuesday night. But they were on the receiving end of some bad news over the weekend when it was announced that starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin will miss the rest of the season with a right knee injury. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday’s edition of Insider Trading that general manager Chris Drury is making calls around the league for a possible replacement. Dreger mentioned the Rangers have inquired about Connor Hellebuyck with the Winnipeg Jets, but the Rangers do not have a sense of urgency and “flat-out don’t wanna pay the hefty price” that Hellebuyck carries. Hellebuyck, who requested a trade out of Winnipeg in the off-season, remains suspended from the Jets after not reporting to training camp and has forfeited nearly $600,000 in salary as of Wednesday morning. As Dreger mentioned in last week’s edition of Insider Trading, Hellebuyck and the Jets continue to explore a trade that works for both the team and the goaltender. In terms of other options for the Rangers, Dreger reports they are also exploring the availability of other experienced goaltenders around the league, especially with limited term. Dylan Garand backstopped the Rangers to a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday night and is 3-1-0 with a 1.15 goals-against average and a .951 save percentage in four games this season. The Rangers also have Joonas Korpisalo, who is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Spencer Martin is also on the Rangers’ roster, though he has yet to debut this season. He had a 4.13 GAA and .864 save percentage in six NHL games last season. The Rangers said replacing Shesterkin will be a group effort. “This is a situation I feel like not a lot needs to be said,” Rangers captain J.T. Miller said via NHL.com. “Everybody in here knows what needs to be done. Everybody has to pull a little more weight around here. I said the other night he’s one of the pillars of our organization and this hockey team, and a leader for us. So, you know, it’s devastating to lose a guy like him, outside of how elite he is as a goalie, what he means to be a teammate and a leader here. There’s a lot to be pulled from every guy in here to make up for what we’re missing. That being said, we feel really confident in the way we’re playing, and we feel like it doesn’t matter who is in net.” Dreger added in Tuesday’s Insider Trading that the Rangers’ urgency for goaltending help could ramp up if the team’s hot start fades. New York will be back in action against the New Jersey Devils Thursday evening.
TSNTSN.ca Staff
How early-season goalie market impacts potential Hellebuyck trade
As the Connor Hellebuyck trade holdout in Winnipeg continues, Jeff Hamilton has more on why there could already be a desperation market of teams suddenly window-shopping for an upgrade between the pipes.
Sportsnet.caJeff Hamilton

This fun confluence of "how can this be about the Leafs" and actual team needs is going to subside once they play some more and there are things like faceoffs and fights to talk about.

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