Maple Leafs Get Good 2026 NHL Draft News on Tuesday
The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the final days of the NHL regular season with little left to play for in the standings, but still awaiting the outcome of several trade conditions tied to future draft assets.
Despite missing the playoffs, the organization remained focused on how late-season results across the league could impact its long-term outlook.
Toronto had already been eliminated from postseason contention earlier in April, ending its playoff streak and leaving the team near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. With one game remaining, the Maple Leafs held a 32-35-14 record and were positioned second-last in the conference.
That context made Monday's result involving the Los Angeles Kings particularly relevant to Toronto's situation.
The Kings entered their game against the Seattle Kraken needing a win to secure their playoff position and fulfill a condition tied to the Scott Laughton trade completed at this season's deadline.
Los Angeles delivered, defeating Seattle 5-3 to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The result triggered a condition in Laughton's trade between the two teams. Toronto had acquired a conditional 2026 third-round pick as part of the deal, with the stipulation that it would upgrade if the Kings reached the postseason.
The Leafs will receive a second rounder in the 2026 NHL Draft instead of a third as a result of the playoff condition being satisfied in the Scott Laughton deal. https://t.co/F3eJ5mYmZr
— David Alter (@davidalter) April 14, 2026
With the Kings clinching, that pick now becomes a second-round selection.
The change provides Toronto with additional draft capital heading into the offseason, offering more flexibility for roster decisions or potential trades.
The Maple Leafs also continue to monitor another conditional pick tied to a previous deal, which depends on where their 2026 first-round selection ultimately lands.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 11:29 AM.