The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to win a Stanley Cup in 2026. This franchise has made the postseason in each of the last nine seasons. However, they have advanced to the second round only twice in those nine years. After losing Mitch Marner this summer, it’s going to be more difficult to advance.
Of course, Toronto’s postseason demons go well beyond these last nine years. The Maple Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. To put this into context, the first ever Super Bowl was held that year. And this was the year the NHL began its expansion boom, ending the Original Six era.
What makes the pain worse is that the team hasn’t even made the Stanley Cup Final since 1967. It’s been a while since the Maple Leafs have come close to Stanley Cup contention. In some ways, this is the best chance they’ve had in decades to finally win it all, even after losing Marner.
Still, this roster is not perfect. They have some needs that remain unaddressed as the 2025-26 NHL season draws near. With this in mind, Heavy.com is proposing the following trade between the Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers:
Toronto Maple Leafs acquire: Adam Henrique
Edmonton Oilers acquire: Bobby McMann
Adam Henrique Remains A Valueable Player
Jeff Vinnick/Getty ImagesAdam Henrique could provide important depth at center for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Oilers traded for Henrique at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. It cost them a first-round pick to acquire the veteran pivot from the Anaheim Ducks. However, they have found success with Henrique, advancing to two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals since the trade happened.
Henrique is not a superstar-level player. In fairness, he never reached those heights to begin with. However, he was an effective two-way center in his day. The 35-year-old Ontario native is not an offensive force at this point. But he can still provide value, especially in the faceoff circle.
The Maple Leafs could certainly use a bit more depth at center. Especially considering how Scott Laughton performed following his trade from the Philadelphia Flyers at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Henrique won’t replace Marner or carry the team on his back, but he can certainly give them important minutes late in his career.
Oilers Add Cheap Scoring Depth in Maple Leafs Trade Pitch
The Oilers are the team to beat in the Western Conference at this time. They’ve made the last two Stanley Cup Finals. And they have shown that few teams in the West can match them in the postseason.
However, they need to become a more balanced team. The Florida Panthers had success shutting down Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard in the Final. When those three aren’t performing, it’s hard for Edmonton to score goals.
McMann is coming off an impressive 20-goal season. The 29-year-old could continue this pace surrounded by the sort of playmakers the Oilers have. At a $1.35 million cap hit, it’s hard to beat that sort of goal production at that sort of price.
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