The NHL trade deadline saw several significant moves for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they look to adjust their roster. The team traded defenseman Conor Timmins and forward Connor Dewar to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This deal, reported by NHL insider Chris Johnston, aims to provide the Maple Leafs with much-needed salary cap relief while adding depth to the Penguins' lineup.

Timmins, who has played 51 games this season with two goals and six assists, has been a reliable part of the Leafs' defense since joining in November 2022. Dewar, a 25-year-old forward, has struggled with limited playtime, managing just three assists in 31 games. The Maple Leafs also made earlier trades on the same day, acquiring Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo, further intensifying their roster adjustments for the playoff push.

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant move just before the trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Conor Timmins and forward Connor Dewar from the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of a complex three-team trade involving the Boston Bruins. The deal saw defenseman Brandon Carlo moving to the Maple Leafs, along with a first-round pick and Fraser Minten heading to the Bruins. In exchange, the Penguins are giving up a fifth-round draft pick for Timmins and Dewar. This strategic move bolsters the Penguins' roster, especially as they look to recover from previous trades of Cody Glass, Anthony Beauvillier, and Luke Schenn earlier in the day.

Timmins, a 26-year-old right defenseman, is recognized for his shutdown abilities. This season, he has contributed two goals and eight points across 51 games while being on a manageable $1.1 million contract for the remainder of the season. Dewar, also 26, is seen as a depth center who excels defensively and on the penalty kill, with a cap hit of $1.18 million and pending restricted free agency later this year. The Penguins' latest acquisitions could play a crucial role in their playoff push as they aim to solidify their standings.

Injuries are taking a toll across the NHL as several key players are sidelined. Anaheim Ducks' Brock McGinn recently underwent ACL surgery and is expected to miss 7-9 months. Isac Lundestrom's status remains day-to-day due to a lower-body injury while Trevor Zegras has returned from a meniscus tear. The Boston Bruins placed Mark Kastelic on IR, while the Dallas Stars welcomed Roope Hintz back to their lineup, but Mason Marchment remains out. In Nashville, Cole Smith has been activated from IR. The New York Islanders are dealing with Noah Dobson's absence due to a lower-body injury, with no return date set.

Meanwhile, goaltender Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators was seen at practice but didn’t skate, and Ryan Poehling of the Philadelphia Flyers is recovering from a head injury. Toronto Maple Leafs' Connor Dewar and Max Pacioretty have also missed time due to injuries, with the team hopeful about John Tavares’ potential return to skating soon. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz continues to make progress after a knee procedure, and Vancouver Canucks are monitoring several players, including Noah Juulsen and Kevin Lankinen, who missed a game due to illness.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are experiencing a season filled with unexpected performances as Connor Dewar and Matthew Knies shine on the ice. Dewar, a fourth-line forward, has surprised many by engaging in fights, including a recent one against Philadelphia’s Joel Farabee, while Knies, at just 22, has outscored both Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, tallying more goals than either star player.

As the Maple Leafs prepare to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes, they hold a five-game winning streak and a six-point lead over the Florida Panthers for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Matthews has struggled with injuries, which partially explains his lower goal count this season. Meanwhile, Knies has made a strong impact with his physical style of play, demonstrating maturity beyond his years, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike.