Nicolas Roy has been traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Colorado Avalanche. The trade occurred the day before the NHL trade deadline. In exchange, Toronto receives a first-round pick in 2027, which is top-ten protected, and a fifth-round pick in 2026.
Roy leaves Toronto after one season, having previously played six consecutive seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. He signed a contract with Toronto covering this season and next, and has scored 20 points in 59 games this season from his center position. Colorado reportedly sought to strengthen its center depth and adds a player who has won a Stanley Cup.
Toronto, which is reportedly having a poor season and likely to miss the playoffs, is trading players to acquire assets for the future. Colorado currently leads the NHL and is expected to be a playoff favorite. Roy is expected to take a complementary role with Colorado.
Separately, Oliver Ekman-Larsson's time with Toronto may be ending, as he was left out of a recent game reportedly due to a possible trade. He has reportedly had one of his best seasons in years and has been one of Toronto's top defensemen.