Despite the Toronto Maple Leafs failing to qualify for the 2026 NHL playoffs, ending a nine-season postseason streak, many former players from the organization are making significant contributions across the eight first-round series. The Leafs' history of trades and signings in pursuit of playoff success has resulted in a wide dispersal of alumni.
Eastern Conference Alumni Impact
Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres (Series Tied 1-1)
The Bruins feature center Fraser Minten, acquired by Boston in a 2025 deadline trade that sent defenseman Brandon Carlo to Toronto along with a first-round pick. Minten has played all 84 games this season. The Sabres counter with defenseman Conor Timmins, who returned from a broken leg for the playoffs. Additionally, Bruins assistant coach Steve Spott previously served under Randy Carlyle with the Leafs and coached the Toronto Marlies.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators (Hurricanes Lead 2-0)
Goaltender Frederik Andersen, who won more playoff games last year than during his three seasons in Toronto, is a key figure for Carolina. For Ottawa, goaltender James Reimer began the season as a Leafs depth option before helping the Senators reach the playoffs. Senators head coach Travis Green scored a double-overtime winner for the Leafs in 2003.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers (Flyers Lead 3-0)
Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, formerly of Toronto, has assembled a roster including forwards Connor Dewar, Noel Acciari, and Justin Brazeau, as well as assistant coaches Mike Stothers and Rich Clune. Brazeau is a former Marlies standout. Flyers forward Carl Grundstrom was part of the 2019 Jake Muzzin trade with Los Angeles.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens (Series Tied 1-1)
Lightning forward Scott Sabourin, known for his disruptive play, previously had brief stints with Toronto and Ottawa. Assistant coach Rob Zettler played and coached for the Leafs. Canadiens assistant coach Stephane Robidas is famously associated with the LTIR clause named after him by former GM Lou Lamoriello.
Western Conference Alumni Impact
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Utah Mammoth (Series Tied 1-1)
Vegas right winger Mitch Marner has recorded two power-play assists and two shots on goal in the series. Utah features forward Alex Kerfoot, a reliable former Leaf who departed as a free agent, defenseman Sean Durzi (from the Muzzin trade), forward Michael Carcone (a former Marlie), and assistant general manager John Ferguson Jr.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings (Avalanche Lead 2-0)
Colorado center Nazem Kadri, once a Leafs playoff villain, is pursuing his second Stanley Cup alongside center Nicolas Roy. The Kings boast centers Scott Laughton and Trevor Moore, defensemen Cody Ceci and Joel Edmundson, and head coach D.J. Smith. Ceci was part of the Kadri trade package, while Moore was moved to acquire Jack Campbell.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks (Series Tied 1-1)
Oilers forward Zach Hyman, whose departure was lamented by Toronto, and forward Kasperi Kapanen, involved in multiple Leafs deals, are contributing. Ducks goaltender Petr Mrazek, who played 20 games for Toronto in 2021-22, is sidelined with hip surgery.
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars (Series Tied 1-1)
Wild forwards Nick Foligno and Zach Bogosian are active; Foligno was acquired by Toronto in 2022 at the cost of first-round pick Corson Ceulemans, who has yet to debut. Bogosian spent one season with the Leafs after winning a Cup with Tampa Bay and is nearing 1,000 career games. Stars center Colin Blackwell came to Toronto in the Mark Giordano trade and gained his only playoff experience with the Leafs and Stars.
