May 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nick Paul (20) takes a shot against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in game seven of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nick Paul (20) takes a shot against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in game seven of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Nick Paul was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 1.
The forward is now back in his hometown team. Paul grew up as a Leafs fan, and now, with the trade officially confirmed, it has left him struggling to keep up with the responses from everyone. In a video posted by the Maple Leafs' official account, Paul goes deeper and explains his excitement.
"Growing up in Mississauga and being a Leaf fan and all my friends being Leafs fans going to school, I think in an hour I had over 600 unread messages and calls so I'm completely overwhelmed with everything," said Paul. "So I'm like completely overwhelmed with everything."
Paul said that he did not fully process the move when he spoke to reporters. He explained how the news brought back memories of his childhood, and he clarified that the attention was coming from a good spot and that it was chaotic rather than a burden.
May 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nick Paul (20) handles the puck against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nick Paul (20) handles the puck against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
"But it's like that excitement of like everyone like fired up for me being back and me being back and then me thinking about my childhood, and going to games and pretend having the Leaf jersey on, score goals and I mean just all of it in this short period of time," he added in the same interview. "It still hasn't settled in yet, but I think more than anything it's just excitement."
He had spent his minor hockey days in Toronto. This was before being drafted in the fourth round as the 101st overall pick by the Dallas Stars in 2013.
He never actually played for Dallas, but built his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators before being sent to Tampa Bay. This was where he spent the last five seasons.
He played in 537 regular-season games with Ottawa and Tampa Bay. Paul now holds a record of 214 points with 104 goals and 110 assists. He then scored 14 more points in 45 career playoff games with the Lightning.
A new chapter now awaits Paul.
Toronto's major exchange involving Nick Paul
Toronto acquired Paul in exchange for Dennis Hildeby, a fourth-round pick goaltender. This was in the 2027 NHL Draft, and with another third-round pick in 2028.
Hildeby is a 2022 fourth-round pick by Toronto, and moving him was easy for the club as it already had strong goaltenders like Anthony Stolarz and newly added veteran player Sergei Bobrovsky.
Paul is expected to play in the middle-six role, with his experience and for more reliability in Toronto’s roster.
"At 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, Paul gives the team immense size, defensively sound metrics, and a reliable presence in the faceoff circle to help shut down top opposing trios," wrote Spencer Lazary of Editor in Leaf.
While the trade has clear business implications, it's deeply personal for Paul, who is returning to his hometown.
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Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar