The Toronto Maple Leafs are seemingly on the cusp of a significant transformation this offseason, driven by the desire to reshape the team's identity and improve their playoff performance. General Manager Brad Treliving has publicly stated the need to change the team's "DNA," signaling a departure from the previous era. This shift could involve several key roster moves, including the potential departure of star forward Mitch Marner.
One of the most talked-about scenarios is a potential sign-and-trade involving Marner. With Marner likely testing free agency, the Maple Leafs face the risk of losing him without compensation. A sign-and-trade would allow Toronto to acquire assets in return for Marner, while also enabling Marner to secure a potentially more lucrative, longer-term contract (eight years, which only the Leafs can offer via this mechanism). Several teams have been rumored as potential destinations for Marner via a sign-and-trade, with the Vegas Golden Knights emerging as a frontrunner.
The Golden Knights, however, face their own challenges, primarily related to cap space. To accommodate Marner's salary, Vegas would likely need to shed existing players, potentially including Tomas Hertl or William Karlsson. This creates an opportunity for the Maple Leafs to be involved in a multi-faceted deal, potentially acquiring a player from Vegas in exchange for facilitating Marner's move. Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet suggested that William Karlsson could be a target for the Leafs, addressing their need for a No. 2 center.
Beyond the Marner situation, the Maple Leafs are also engaged in contract negotiations with captain John Tavares. While both sides have expressed a desire for Tavares to remain in Toronto, money remains a key sticking point. Tavares may need to accept a longer contract to help the team manage the salary cap, similar to deals signed by Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay and Anze Kopitar in Los Angeles. If an agreement cannot be reached, Tavares could test free agency, leaving another hole in the Leafs' roster.
Treliving has indicated that the Maple Leafs will be more active in exploring trade options than pursuing free agents. This suggests that the team is looking to make targeted acquisitions to address specific needs, rather than engaging in a widespread overhaul of the roster. Several players have been identified as potential trade targets, including middle-six centers such as Steven Stamkos (Nashville Predators), Jared McCann (Seattle Kraken), and Charlie Coyle (Colorado Avalanche). These players could provide the Leafs with additional depth and versatility down the middle. The Leafs have also been linked to wingers such as Lawson Crouse (Arizona Coyotes), Dawson Mercer (New Jersey Devils), and Jonathan Marchessault (Vegas Golden Knights) as potential replacements for Marner.
The Maple Leafs also have several players whose trade protection changes on July 1st. Jake McCabe will gain a full no-trade clause, while Anthony Stolarz and Brandon Carlo will have modified no-trade clauses, allowing them to reject trades to a limited number of teams. The Leafs have a projected $25.71 million in cap space for the 2025-26 season and could create more by trading players such as Calle Jarnkrok or David Kampf.
With the NHL Draft approaching and free agency set to begin on July 1, the Maple Leafs are facing a critical period in their offseason planning. The decisions made in the coming weeks will likely shape the team's roster and direction for the foreseeable future.
