Here’s the frustrating reason the Maple Leafs haven’t pulled the trigger

With just one week remaining before the NHL trade deadline, Toronto Maple Leafs fans are growing restless. The silence has been loud.

But according to insider Elliotte Friedman, it’s not because the Leafs are frozen or undecided. It’s because they simply don’t like what’s being offered.

“People are like, ‘Oh, they haven’t done anything yet because they haven’t made their decision,’” Friedman said on the FAN Hockey Show. “I think that they haven’t done anything yet because they haven’t been presented with anything they really like.”

That’s a telling statement, but I can’t say it will reassure fans…

In a market where Toronto is constantly linked to defense upgrades, depth forwards, and goaltending insurance, the expectation is always that something big is brewing. But Friedman’s comments suggest general manager Brad Treliving isn’t willing to force a move just to quiet the noise.

The Leafs still have a shot at the postseason, but questions linger about whether this roster is built for a deep run. And to make things worse, the clock is ticking.

Toronto has assets. They have urgency. But they also have to be careful not to overpay in a seller’s market where prices traditionally spike in the final days. If the right deal appears, expect the Leafs to act quickly. Until then, their patience may be strategic, not indecisive, according to Friedman, and Treliving.

With seven days to go, that patience is about to be tested.