The Toronto Maple Leafs have undergone a significant roster makeover this offseason following the arrival of John Chayka as the team’s new general manager.
One of the biggest areas of change has been the bottom six, where Toronto added several forwards to create more competition for roster spots. With only so many places available, the Maple Leafs could eventually look to move one of their surplus forwards in a trade.
Toronto is set to open the 2026-27 season on September 29 at home against the Montreal Canadiens, and the battles throughout the lineup are already beginning to take shape.
As training camp gets underway, Toronto’s revamped bottom-six group has created an intriguing roster dilemma. Several forwards are competing for limited opportunities, potentially putting a familiar fan favorite on the trade market.
One proposed scenario would see the Maple Leafs send Steven Lorentz to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick.
Maple Leafs acquire:
- 2026 fifth-round pick
Golden Knights acquire:
- Steven Lorentz
The potential move would give Toronto an opportunity to turn a crowded forward group into an additional draft asset while clearing a little more room under the salary cap.
Lorentz does not currently have a guaranteed path to consistent playing time with the Maple Leafs. Toronto added Nick Paul, Brandon Duhaime, Teddy Blueger, Zack MacEwen and Colton Sissons during the offseason, dramatically increasing the competition for bottom-six roles.
The organization also has younger options pushing for opportunities, including Jacob Quillan, Michael Pezzetta and Bo Groulx. If those players perform well during camp, Toronto could have even more incentive to move a veteran forward rather than keep too many players competing for the same role.
For Vegas, Lorentz could provide the type of dependable depth that becomes valuable over the course of a long season. He brings a physical presence, can handle fourth-line duties and contributes on the penalty kill. The Golden Knights could also use additional bottom-six depth after moving Keegan Kolesar.
Lorentz has two seasons remaining on his three-year, $4.05 million contract and carries a $1.35 million annual salary. Last season, he recorded seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 71 games.
There would be an emotional element to any potential trade. Lorentz is a Toronto-area native, making him a popular figure among Maple Leafs fans. He also brings championship experience after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024.
Still, if Toronto decides its revamped bottom six has left Lorentz without a regular role, moving him could allow the Maple Leafs to create some cap flexibility while adding another draft selection.
For Vegas, meanwhile, the move would offer a chance to bring in an experienced, physical depth forward who already has postseason and championship experience.