Maple Leafs trade for Aatu Räty, sending Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr to Vancouver

Toronto received Räty after he cleared waivers, while Vancouver added two young forwards in return.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 01:18:39 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Finnish forward Aatu Räty from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forwards Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr, according to team announcements on Oct. 15, 2026.

What happened

Räty, a 23‑year‑old who had appeared in four games for Vancouver this season, was placed on waivers and cleared them on Oct. 15. Hours later the Canucks completed a trade sending Räty to Toronto for Quillan, 24, and Buhr, both forwards in the Canucks system.

What the reports add

Daily Hive noted that the deal was announced by Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson, who said it adds depth to the roster.
The outlet detailed Quillan’s path: a stint with the Penticton Vees, three seasons at Quinnipiac University, signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024, 24 NHL games with three points, and a 36‑point AHL season (14 goals, 22 assists) in 40 games for the Toronto Marlies, plus nine playoff points.
Buhr, a Burnaby native, also came to the Leafs as an undrafted free agent, led Union College with 36 points in 35 games last season and has logged two points in five AHL games this year.
Winnipeg Free Press, citing The Canadian Press, provided Räty’s career totals – one goal in four games this season and 29 points in 118 NHL contests – and highlighted his role in Abbotsford’s 2025 Calder Cup championship and Finland’s gold medal at the 2026 World Championship.
The second Daily Hive story explained that the Canucks placed Räty on waivers rather than exposing a younger player, signaling that he was not central to their rebuilding timeline.

What was said

"We want to thank Aatu for all he has done for the organization, and we wish him well in Toronto," Canucks GM Ryan Johnson said, as quoted by Daily Hive.

"By acquiring Jacob and Brandon this move gives our group two new young players to work with as we continue to look for ways to improve our overall depth," Johnson added, according to the Winnipeg Free Press report.

How it came about

The trade follows a period of roster adjustments for Vancouver, including recent moves such as the acquisition of goaltender Leevi Meriläinen (see earlier coverage) and the team’s ongoing rebuild after an opening‑night overtime win over Edmonton (see Oct. 1 game). Toronto’s earlier acquisition of winger Kirill Marchenko (see Sep. 28 trade) underscores the Leafs’ active off‑season trading strategy.

Key facts

Toronto acquired Finnish forward Aatu Räty from Vancouver in exchange for Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr. (dailyhive.com)
Räty cleared waivers on Oct. 15 before the trade was completed. (dailyhive.com)
Jacob Quillan recorded 36 points in 40 AHL games for the Toronto Marlies last season. (dailyhive.com)
Räty has 29 career NHL points in 118 games and helped Abbotsford win the 2025 Calder Cup. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Canucks GM Ryan Johnson thanked Räty and said the trade adds depth to the roster. (dailyhive.com)