Leafs battle tough competition in pursuit of a monster trade!

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly keeping a close eye on Blake Coleman, according to James Murphy of RG.org, with the Dallas Stars also showing strong interest amid a loaded infirmary and a desperate need for help up front. The veteran Calgary Flames winger, signed through 2026-27 at $4.9 million AAV with a 10-team no-trade list, could be a somewhat affordable addition for a team looking to boost depth for a playoff run.

Murphy notes that the Utah Mammoth, Minnesota Wild, and Carolina Hurricanes have also been linked to Coleman. He believes Coleman could move sooner than some of his pricier Flames teammates, like Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri, making him an attractive trade target.

For the Maple Leafs, one factor could work in their favor: GM Brad Treliving spent years as Calgary’s general manager and knows the organization’s personnel intimately. That insider knowledge could give Toronto an edge in negotiations, but it won’t be easy.

“The Leafs want some Cup winners and experience that knows how to win the Cup on their roster right now. Brad knows him well, and you put him with some of that high-end offensive talent, and Coleman can still contribute there, too,” a source told Murphy.

Let’s not forget that in Dallas, Tyler Seguin goes on the season-ending long term injury reserve or SELTIR, the Stars may have more cap space to chase Coleman, while Toronto remains tight against the cap.

Meanwhile, the Mammoth, Hurricanes, and Wild might not only have more flexibility but also more tradeable assets to tempt Calgary.

And so, Treliving’s Flames connection is an asset, but the Leafs face a crowded, competitive field for a winger who could make a significant playoff impact. If Coleman moves before the trade deadline, it could be one of the most-watched deals of the season.