The first day of the 2025–2026 Lifetimepool Draft didn’t disappoint — with the Leafs and Canucks pulling off a significant trade that reshapes both teams’ rosters.
📋 Trade Details
Leafs Receive:
-
Mikhail Sergachev (D – TBL)
-
Alex Tuch (F – BUF)
-
Dawson Mercer (F – NJD)
-
3rd Round Pick (#35)
-
4th Round Pick (#43)
Canucks Receive:
-
Bowen Byram (D – BUF)
-
Marco Kasper (F – DET)
-
Rasmus Andersson (D – CGY)
-
2nd Round Pick (#18)
-
2nd Round Pick (#23)
🔍 Trade Breakdown
Leafs: Strengthening Depth and Flexibility
The Leafs come away with three high-upside players in Sergachev, Tuch, and Mercer — all entering or in their prime. The addition of extra draft capital provides valuable flexibility as the team continues to balance win-now ambitions with future planning.
Canucks: Betting on Blue-Line Power
For the Canucks, this move bolsters their defensive core with Byram and Andersson — two established NHL blueliners — while Kasper adds another promising young forward to their mix. The two second-round selections also give the Canucks important building blocks for the future.
⚖️ Who Won the Deal?
Early reactions suggest a rare win-win. The Leafs get immediate contributors and added depth, while the Canucks improve their long-term outlook with multiple high-value assets.
This move sets the tone for what could be one of the most unpredictable drafts in Lifetimepool history.
