The Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly will entertain trade offers for the first overall pick but are more likely to retain it, according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.

“If a team steps up in a meaningful way with the kind of package that helps the Leafs get back in contention, Chayka will at least listen, according to league sources,” he wrote. “I do think it’s unlikely he moves it, though.”

There are some reasons why it might make sense for general manager John Chayka to be willing to listen to trade offers for the first overall pick, even if the chances of it actually coming to fruition are slim. The message coming from upper management and MLSE CEO Keith Pelley is for the Leafs to get back to contention as quickly as possible, and the first overall pick is the type of asset that could get them the pieces needed to accelerate that timeline.

Given the circumstances surrounding the core group of players that the team currently possesses, and the urgency to maximize the window they have available with the likes of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares. It’s far from a guarantee that the player they choose first overall will be able to make an immediate impact in the same manner as Macklin Celebrini or Matthew Schaefer did in their respective rookie seasons, and it would be a lot to ask one of Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg. While the consensus suggests McKenna is the most likely to go first, there remains debate over whether he is indeed the best player available in the draft.

At the same time, giving up the opportunity to add a transformational piece that improves their fortunes now and for years to come would be a risky endeavour with a low chance of paying off. Adding McKenna/Stenberg would provide an immediate boost to the lineup while filling the offensive void that was left behind by Mitch Marner’s departure last summer. It would also present the opportunity for the Leafs to begin the transition from the Matthews era to the new one, headlined by whoever they choose with the first overall pick.

“He’s an exciting player that I’ve been tracking for a number of years now,” Chayka said of McKenna moments after the Leafs won the draft lottery on May 5. “The skill level, the creativity, the puck ability, his shot and release is all pretty special. Good package. It will be good to get with the scouts and talk through it all, but I know there’s a lot of passion for a lot of players, including Gavin.”

While it makes sense theoretically why the Leafs may be able to at least listen to potential trade offers, you can expect them to be at the podium in Buffalo to announce who they will be selecting with the first overall pick on June 26.