Welcome to another edition of the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Trade Deadline live blog here at TheLeafsNation.com, where we will be keeping track of all the latest news and rumours involving the Leafs as the day unfolds.
General manager Brad Treliving got a head start on rounding out his roster with the <a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/02/29/maple-leafs-re-acquire-ilya-lyubushkin-ducks-trade-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin last week</a> and <a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/03/07/the-leafs-have-acquired-joel-edmundson-from-the-capitals-in-exchange-for-two-draft-picks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">another deal to bring in Joel Edmundson on Thursday</a>, but indications are that he is still exploring all avenues to improve the Leafs&#8217; lineup. Even after re-acquiring Lyubushkin and adding Edmundson to the mix, the blue line remains the biggest area of need as Treliving scours the market for a right-handed blueliner who can handle a top-four role, but they could still look to add a versatile two-way forward as well.
<a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/03/06/latest-on-trade-rumours-linked-to-maple-leafs-rumour-recap/">The latest on trade rumours linked to the Maple Leafs: TLN Rumour Recap</a>
Treliving has expressed a reluctance to trade away premium assets such as first-round picks and top prospects for short-term help, and with plenty of big names already off the rental market, the Leafs will have to get creative if they are going to make any significant additions before the 3:00 pm ET deadline.
The Leafs are short on draft capital, but they do own their first-rounders in the 2024 and 2026 drafts, and they have an abundance of late picks in this year&#8217;s draft that could be used to acquire depth players or entice opposing teams to facilitate a bigger deal by retaining salary.
Salary retention will be crucial if the Leafs are going to make any moves as they enter the day with just $144k in cap space according to <a href="https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CapFriendly.com</a>, but they do have the flexibility to clear upwards of $3.5 million in extra space by simply waiving or trading the likes of Conor Timmins, Martin Jones, William Lagesson, and Noah Gregor.
The Leafs are in a similar position with their prospect pool as they are with their arsenal of draft picks &#8211; a couple of high-end assets in Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten, then a glut of depth prospects that could be used as secondary pieces in the trade market. They also have Nick Robertson, who has established himself as an NHL player this season yet finds himself on the outside looking in at the moment. Still just 22 years of age, Robertson is a player who would be of interest to teams looking towards the future.
<a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/02/22/looking-at-the-leafs-prospect-capital-ahead-of-the-trade-deadline/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Examining the Leafs’ prospect capital ahead of the trade deadline</a>
Timothy Liljegren is another interesting player leading up to the deadline. He has shown the potential to be an important piece of this team moving forward, but he hasn&#8217;t been trusted by the coaching staff to handle regular minutes in the playoffs to this point. Liljegren is still a young player under team control who has had stretches of strong play, but his inconsistency has led to questions about where he fits should the Leafs add another defenceman.
<a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/03/06/should-he-stay-or-should-he-go-the-maple-leafs-need-to-determine-whether-timothy-liljegren-is-a-fit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Should he stay or should he go: The Maple Leafs need to determine whether Timothy Liljegren is a fit</a>
Treliving will have to be conscientious of how he manages his limited assets, but the Leafs have the pieces and salary cap flexibility to make improvements to their roster if they can find a trade partner. Be sure to stay connected to TheLeafsNation.com all day to keep up with the latest Leafs news and rumours leading up to the trade deadline.
<a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/03/04/matt-dumba-wont-be-a-maple-leaf-and-seattle-defencemen-are-likely-off-limits-according-to-elliotte-friedman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Dumba won’t be a Maple Leaf and Seattle defencemen are likely off limits according to Elliotte Friedman</a>
<hr />
<h1 style="text-align: center">Live Tracker</h1>
3:17pm ET: Connor Dewar is on his way to the Leafs from the Minnesota Wild. We will have more on Dewar on the site shortly. Update: Leafs traded a 2026 4th round pick. <a href="https://theleafsnation.com/news/connor-dewar-is-a-maple-leaf-in-a-last-minute-deadline-deal">Details here</a>.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Believe he&#39;s heading to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/leafs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#leafs</a>. <a href="https://t.co/0Fl9LGGzap">https://t.co/0Fl9LGGzap</a>
&mdash; Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766196239257813180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
3:00pm ET: Here&#8217;s your mandatory &#8220;Deals can still be announced after the deadline&#8221; update. 
2:57pm ET: At least there is one big move happening today but unfortunately it is Vegas striking again. Tomas Hertl is on his way to the Golden Knights. It&#8217;s nice to see Bob McKenzie still breaking the big deals. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
BREAKING, as per <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TSNBobMcKenzie</a> &#8230; Vegas is working on a Tomas Hertl deal with San Jose.
&mdash; Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766191256470770002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
2:51pm ET: We&#8217;re nearing the end and one of the name brand depth forwards has come off the board. Maybe that&#8217;s not exciting news, but we&#8217;ll take what we can get today.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYR</a> are getting Jack Roslovic from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBJ</a>.
&mdash; Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766190067821810122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
2:37pm ET: Matt Dumba is on his way to Tampa. Dumba was ruled out as a potential Leafs option earlier this week by insiders but was notably Toronto&#8217;s target this summer before going with John Klingberg due to Dumba&#8217;s price being too high. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨🚨Hearing Matt Dumba has been traded to Tampa Bay 
&#8211; The People’s 📞📞
&mdash; Jordan Schmaltz (@J_Swish24) <a href="https://twitter.com/J_Swish24/status/1766186225298465023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
2:03pm ET: William Lagesson has been claimed off waivers by the Ducks. It seemed likely that a seller would be looking for some help and this move frees up some cap space and a contract spot for the Leafs who are now at 48 out of 50 contracts.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLDucks</a> claim William Lagesson off waivers from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Leafs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Leafs</a>.
&mdash; Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) <a href="https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/1766177803894956115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
2:00pm ET: Another RHD former target of the Leafs is on the move. The Bruins have added Andrew Peeke. The Bruins get a bit more physical on the back end and can see if Peeke needed a change of scenery to take another step in his career.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Jakub Zboril heading to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBJ</a> for Andrew Peeke, per <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TSNBobMcKenzie</a>
&mdash; Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766177150518890710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
1:50pm ET: After selling for most of the deadline the Flyers have added a RHD to replace Sean Walker by bringing in Erik Johnson. Johnson had previously been mentioned as another potential defensive depth target for the Maple Leafs.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Hearing Erik Johnson to Philadelphia
&mdash; Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1766174471751098689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
1:26pm ET: The Blue Jays are showing up the Leafs and having a more interesting trade deadline day. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Canadian legend Joey Votto is back in baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays! 🤯🇨🇦 <a href="https://t.co/hFH9HYnhn2">pic.twitter.com/hFH9HYnhn2</a>
&mdash; TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1766167500633350426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
1:23pm ET: The Leafs are making a paper transaction for a bit of flexibility heading into the end of the deadline. Toronto is also 37 minutes away from finding out what happens with William Lagesson on waivers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Hearing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/leafs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#leafs</a> will send Matthew Knies to the AHL Marlies in a paper transaction today to preserve some flexibility down the stretch, if needed.
&mdash; Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766167603725135890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
12:24pm ET: Another potential forward target for the Leafs has a new home, as the Nashville Predators have acquired Jason Zucker from the Arizona Coyotes, according to Sportsnet&#8217;s Elliotte Friedman.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Jason Zucker from Arizona to Nashville
&mdash; Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1766153150711398703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
11:24am ET: TSN&#8217;s Darren Dreger reports that the Winnipeg Jets are closing in on a trade with the New Jersey Devils to acquire Tyler Toffoli, removing another prime target from the trade board.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey devils are closing on trade sending Tyler Toffoli to Wpg.
&mdash; Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/1766137925807276376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
11:08am ET: Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet follows up on the earlier report from Marek, confirming a two-year extension for Jordan Eberle in Seattle that takes him off the trade market.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
As <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffMarek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffMarek</a> indicated, Jordan Eberle re-signs in SEA for 2x$4.75M
&mdash; Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1766133998227468675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
10:46am ET: Another potential forward target for the Leafs could be coming off the market, as Sportsnet&#8217;s Jeff Marek reports that the Seattle Kraken have resumed contract extension talks with winger Jordan Eberle.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Jordan Eberle and Seattle have resumed contract talks. Optimism that it could get done.
&mdash; Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffMarek/status/1766128312294744516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
10:41am ET: Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports that a trade involving forward Pavel Buchnevich is unlikely at this point. Buchnevich had been loosely linked to the Leafs in recent days.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
All it takes is one phone call to change things, but the sense I&#39;m getting is Buchnevich will remain with the Blues. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stlblues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stlblues</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLTradeDeadline?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLTradeDeadline</a>
&mdash; Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) <a href="https://twitter.com/jprutherford/status/1766127187407597829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
8:08am ET: Darren Dreger reports on TSN&#8217;s Tradecentre that the Leafs are still in the market for a gritty forward who can help improve their penalty kill.

Welcome to another edition of the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Trade Deadline live blog here at TheLeafsNation.com, where we will be keeping track of all the latest news and rumours involving the Leafs as the day unfolds.

General manager Brad Treliving got a head start on rounding out his roster with the <a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/02/29/maple-leafs-re-acquire-ilya-lyubushkin-ducks-trade-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin last week</a> and <a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/03/07/the-leafs-have-acquired-joel-edmundson-from-the-capitals-in-exchange-for-two-draft-picks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">another deal to bring in Joel Edmundson on Thursday</a>, but indications are that he is still exploring all avenues to improve the Leafs' lineup. Even after re-acquiring Lyubushkin and adding Edmundson to the mix, the blue line remains the biggest area of need as Treliving scours the market for a right-handed blueliner who can handle a top-four role, but they could still look to add a versatile two-way forward as well.

<a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/03/06/latest-on-trade-rumours-linked-to-maple-leafs-rumour-recap/">The latest on trade rumours linked to the Maple Leafs: TLN Rumour Recap</a>

Treliving has expressed a reluctance to trade away premium assets such as first-round picks and top prospects for short-term help, and with plenty of big names already off the rental market, the Leafs will have to get creative if they are going to make any significant additions before the 3:00 pm ET deadline.

The Leafs are short on draft capital, but they do own their first-rounders in the 2024 and 2026 drafts, and they have an abundance of late picks in this year's draft that could be used to acquire depth players or entice opposing teams to facilitate a bigger deal by retaining salary.

Salary retention will be crucial if the Leafs are going to make any moves as they enter the day with just $144k in cap space according to <a href="https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CapFriendly.com</a>, but they do have the flexibility to clear upwards of $3.5 million in extra space by simply waiving or trading the likes of Conor Timmins, Martin Jones, William Lagesson, and Noah Gregor.

The Leafs are in a similar position with their prospect pool as they are with their arsenal of draft picks - a couple of high-end assets in Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten, then a glut of depth prospects that could be used as secondary pieces in the trade market. They also have Nick Robertson, who has established himself as an NHL player this season yet finds himself on the outside looking in at the moment. Still just 22 years of age, Robertson is a player who would be of interest to teams looking towards the future.

<a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/02/22/looking-at-the-leafs-prospect-capital-ahead-of-the-trade-deadline/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Examining the Leafs’ prospect capital ahead of the trade deadline</a>

Timothy Liljegren is another interesting player leading up to the deadline. He has shown the potential to be an important piece of this team moving forward, but he hasn't been trusted by the coaching staff to handle regular minutes in the playoffs to this point. Liljegren is still a young player under team control who has had stretches of strong play, but his inconsistency has led to questions about where he fits should the Leafs add another defenceman.

<a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/03/06/should-he-stay-or-should-he-go-the-maple-leafs-need-to-determine-whether-timothy-liljegren-is-a-fit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Should he stay or should he go: The Maple Leafs need to determine whether Timothy Liljegren is a fit</a>

Treliving will have to be conscientious of how he manages his limited assets, but the Leafs have the pieces and salary cap flexibility to make improvements to their roster if they can find a trade partner. Be sure to stay connected to TheLeafsNation.com all day to keep up with the latest Leafs news and rumours leading up to the trade deadline.

<a href="https://publish.theleafsnation.com/2024/03/04/matt-dumba-wont-be-a-maple-leaf-and-seattle-defencemen-are-likely-off-limits-according-to-elliotte-friedman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Dumba won’t be a Maple Leaf and Seattle defencemen are likely off limits according to Elliotte Friedman</a>

<hr />

<h1 style="text-align: center">Live Tracker</h1>
3:17pm ET: Connor Dewar is on his way to the Leafs from the Minnesota Wild. We will have more on Dewar on the site shortly. Update: Leafs traded a 2026 4th round pick. <a href="https://theleafsnation.com/news/connor-dewar-is-a-maple-leaf-in-a-last-minute-deadline-deal">Details here</a>.

https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766196239257813180

3:00pm ET: Here's your mandatory "Deals can still be announced after the deadline" update. 

2:57pm ET: At least there is one big move happening today but unfortunately it is Vegas striking again. Tomas Hertl is on his way to the Golden Knights. It's nice to see Bob McKenzie still breaking the big deals. 

https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766191256470770002

2:51pm ET: We're nearing the end and one of the name brand depth forwards has come off the board. Maybe that's not exciting news, but we'll take what we can get today.

https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766190067821810122

2:37pm ET: Matt Dumba is on his way to Tampa. Dumba was ruled out as a potential Leafs option earlier this week by insiders but was notably Toronto's target this summer before going with John Klingberg due to Dumba's price being too high. 

https://twitter.com/J_Swish24/status/1766186225298465023

2:03pm ET: William Lagesson has been claimed off waivers by the Ducks. It seemed likely that a seller would be looking for some help and this move frees up some cap space and a contract spot for the Leafs who are now at 48 out of 50 contracts.

https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/1766177803894956115

2:00pm ET: Another RHD former target of the Leafs is on the move. The Bruins have added Andrew Peeke. The Bruins get a bit more physical on the back end and can see if Peeke needed a change of scenery to take another step in his career.

https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766177150518890710

1:50pm ET: After selling for most of the deadline the Flyers have added a RHD to replace Sean Walker by bringing in Erik Johnson. Johnson had previously been mentioned as another potential defensive depth target for the Maple Leafs.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1766174471751098689

1:26pm ET: The Blue Jays are showing up the Leafs and having a more interesting trade deadline day. 

https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1766167500633350426

1:23pm ET: The Leafs are making a paper transaction for a bit of flexibility heading into the end of the deadline. Toronto is also 37 minutes away from finding out what happens with William Lagesson on waivers.

https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1766167603725135890?s=46&amp;t=gz4hQCm0PpZe5Ehvayavxg

12:24pm ET: Another potential forward target for the Leafs has a new home, as the Nashville Predators have acquired Jason Zucker from the Arizona Coyotes, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1766153150711398703?s=20

11:24am ET: TSN's Darren Dreger reports that the Winnipeg Jets are closing in on a trade with the New Jersey Devils to acquire Tyler Toffoli, removing another prime target from the trade board.

https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/1766137925807276376?s=20

11:08am ET: Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet follows up on the earlier report from Marek, confirming a two-year extension for Jordan Eberle in Seattle that takes him off the trade market.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1766133998227468675?s=20

10:46am ET: Another potential forward target for the Leafs could be coming off the market, as Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reports that the Seattle Kraken have resumed contract extension talks with winger Jordan Eberle.

https://twitter.com/JeffMarek/status/1766128312294744516?s=20

10:41am ET: Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports that a trade involving forward Pavel Buchnevich is unlikely at this point. Buchnevich had been loosely linked to the Leafs in recent days.

https://twitter.com/jprutherford/status/1766127187407597829?s=20

8:08am ET: Darren Dreger reports on TSN's Tradecentre that the Leafs are still in the market for a gritty forward who can help improve their penalty kill.

Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 NHL Trade Deadline live blog

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