Maple Leafs make huge lineup changes hinting at monster imminent trades!

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be on the verge of something big. Earlier today, head coach Craig Berube told reporters there’d be no “roster management” scratches tonight, but things change quickly this close to the trade deadline.

Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton and Oliver Ekman-Larsson will all be scratched tonight against the New Jersey Devils for asset protection purposes, a clear signal that trade discussions are advancing ahead of Friday’s deadline.

When players are suddenly pulled from the lineup this close to the deadline, it’s rarely precautionary. It’s strategic.

Multiple reports indicate that talks surrounding Laughton are progressing, while McMann’s name continues to generate significant interest across the league. At this stage, McMann and Laughton appear to be the most likely Leafs to be moved before the clock strikes 3 p.m. Friday.

As for OEL, he mentioned earlier today how he’d prefer to stay put, but nothing is certain until the deadline comes and goes.

General manager Brad Treliving is reportedly working the phones aggressively. There are executives around the league who believe Toronto should be able to command a first-round pick for McMann, though that price has not yet been met. Treliving continues to push for maximum value, not just on pending unrestricted free agents, but also on defensemen he may be willing to part with, including Ekman-Larsson.

With less than 48 hours until the trade deadline, Toronto’s lineup decisions are speaking louder than words. This doesn’t feel like precaution, but more like preparation.

And if talks continue progressing at this pace, the Leafs could look very different by Friday afternoon.