Maple Leafs Flip the Script: Trade Plans Take a New Direction

It has been no secret that Brad Treliving has been looking to acquire another top-six forward for the Leafs throughout the off-season. However, many believed that he would first part with one, two or three bottom-six forwards to create cap space and room on the roster and under the cap.

Initially, that was the case as the Leafs' GM had been trying to move at least two forwards in David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok since the off-season began.

An injury to Scott Laughton has changed the game for the Leafs and has opened the door for Treliving to forgo shopping Jarnkrok and Nick Robertson, according to one prominent reporter in Toronto.

While Robertson's name has been in trade rumours dating back to last season, and following the signing of his one-year deal in August, Treliving and Berube have been steadfast in that there is a spot for the 23-year-old. He just had to earn it.

Ahead of the announcement that Robertson had made the opening night roster, TSN's Darren Dreger revealed on 'First Up' that Treliving has pivoted and is no longer shopping Jarnkrok or Robertson.

Clearly, the injury to Laughton changed the trajectory of the Leafs' roster and even led to them claiming Sammy Blais off of waivers on Monday afternoon. However, just because Treliving isn't shopping them, it doesn't mean he isn't listening to offers.

For now, the Leafs will work with what they have and it will be up to Robertson and Jarnkrok to show that once Laughton is healthy, they deserve to remain in the lineup.