Leafs, Sharks and Devils accelerate trade talks before 2026 draft

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier received two new offers for the second overall pick, one described as real interesting.

Leafs advance defensive discussions

The Toronto Maple Leafs are closing in on multiple deals, according to Darren Dreger, with activity intensifying in the final days before the draft. Defenseman Jake McCabe has drawn external interest despite holding a full no-trade clause that has not yet been tested. Morgan Rielly’s name remains in circulation yet discussions have stayed status quo, creating a clear contrast with the more active Carlo inquiries.

Brandon Carlo’s availability carries a modest asking price of multiple mid-range picks from the Leafs, per Chris Johnston on TSN. This valuation positions Carlo as a lower-cost target than Rielly and opens a pathway for Toronto to shed salary while adding draft capital. The contrast between the two blue-liners’ market values directly influences how quickly Toronto can finalize moves.

Minimal progress has occurred with pending restricted free agent Matias Maccelli, as the Leafs have directed resources elsewhere. This focus on defense-first transactions leaves forward negotiations on hold until the draft window closes.

The causal link between McCabe’s clause and Toronto’s timeline is straightforward: without a waiver request, any deal involving him requires a partner willing to absorb the full contract or additional sweeteners. That constraint narrows the field of suitors and accelerates the need for alternative defensive acquisitions.

Sharks field serious interest in high picks

Mike Grier confirmed he is fielding “lots more calls” on the ninth overall selection while simultaneously evaluating two fresh proposals for the second overall pick. The volume of inquiries signals that other clubs view the Sharks’ draft capital as the most efficient route to immediate roster upgrades.

Chris Johnston reported that San Jose requires the equivalent of a top-line forward or top-pairing defenseman still in his prime in return for the second overall selection. This threshold explains why Grier has kept an open mind yet has not accepted any package to date. The stated criteria create a high bar that only a handful of clubs can meet before Friday.

The contrast between the No. 2 and No. 9 picks is instructive: interest in the former is described as immense while the latter draws routine inquiries. This disparity forces the Sharks to decide whether to bundle both selections or move only the higher asset for a single premium player.

Grier’s willingness to listen stems directly from the need to accelerate the team’s rebuild timeline. Retaining the pick preserves long-term upside, but converting it now supplies NHL-ready talent that can stabilize the roster during the 2026-27 season.

Devils gain trade ammunition

After acquiring two future first-round picks and the 35th overall selection on Saturday, the New Jersey Devils now possess additional flexibility for short-term acquisitions. Chris Johnston noted on TSN that the new draft capital allows the club to pursue players who can contribute immediately rather than waiting for their own prospects to mature.

The timing of the asset influx matters: the Devils can now offer future picks in exchange for established contributors whose contracts expire within two seasons. This option was unavailable before the weekend transactions and alters their negotiating posture with sellers.

No firm timeframe exists for additional moves, yet the presence of extra first-round selections lowers the cost of entry for rental or bridge deals. The causal mechanism is simple: more draft ammunition increases leverage when targeting clubs that covet high selections.

The Devils’ new flexibility therefore stands in direct contrast to teams still searching for assets. New Jersey can now act as a buyer in the final hours before the draft without depleting its core prospect pool.