Leafs scratch McMann, Laughton, OEL as deadline looms

The Toronto Maple Leafs scratched Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for Wednesday's game against the New Jersey Devils for roster management purposes, the team announced.

All three players are rumored to be on the trade block as Friday's deadline looms.

McMann and Laughton are pending unrestricted free agents, while Ekman-Larsson is signed through 2028. The veteran defenseman, who owns a 16-team no-trade list, said earlier this week that he hadn't been approached about a potential trade.

McMann has registered 19 goals and 32 points this season and carries a cap hit of $1.35 million.

Laughton, whom the Maple Leafs acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers at last year's deadline, has 12 points in 43 games this season. He's won 56.7% of his draws.

Ekman-Larsson represented Sweden at the Olympics and has been the Leafs' most productive blue-liner with 35 points on the year.

The Maple Leafs are on track to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16, ending the NHL's longest active postseason streak at nine years. Toronto doesn't have a first-round pick in 2026 or 2027.