The 2025 NHL offseason is shaping up to be a crucial one for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers, albeit for different reasons. Both teams are coming off seasons with significant expectations, but with differing results, placing them in distinct positions as they head into the summer months.

Toronto Maple Leafs: A Crossroads

For the Maple Leafs, the offseason represents a potential turning point. After another strong regular season, finishing with 108 points and a division title, they fell short in the playoffs, blowing a 2-0 series lead against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. This loss has triggered significant speculation about potential changes to the core of the team.

The biggest question mark surrounds Mitch Marner, a pending unrestricted free agent and one of the team's highest-paid players. Recent reports suggest that the Maple Leafs and Marner may be heading towards a parting of ways, with the team potentially exploring a sign-and-trade deal or simply allowing him to walk in free agency. Losing Marner would undoubtedly sting, as he's coming off a career-best 102-point season. However, some analysts believe that moving on from Marner could provide the Leafs with valuable cap space and an opportunity to re-shape their roster.

Another key negotiation involves John Tavares, also a UFA. While still a productive player, Tavares is entering his mid-30s, and his next contract will need to reflect his age and potential decline. Securing cost certainty with both Knies and Tavares is paramount, allowing the Leafs to address other needs, particularly in upgrading their scoring depth. While Auston Matthews and William Nylander remain foundational players, the Leafs need to find more consistent offensive contributors throughout the lineup.

General Manager Brad Treliving has significant spending flexibility this offseason, but how he chooses to utilize it will determine the Leafs' trajectory for the next few years. The defense and goaltending are relatively set, so expect Treliving to focus on adding impactful forwards who can complement the existing stars and provide a more balanced offensive attack.

Edmonton Oilers: Reloading for Another Run

The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a different situation. After two consecutive seasons of reaching the Stanley Cup Final, only to be defeated by the Florida Panthers, the pressure is on to finally break through and deliver a championship. The Oilers possess two of the league's top players in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but the supporting cast and, perhaps more importantly, the goaltending, need to be addressed.

The immediate priority for the Oilers is securing the long-term future of their star players. Evan Bouchard, a restricted free agent, is due for a significant raise. His offensive production from the blue line is undeniable, and locking him up to a max-term extension is crucial. The biggest negotiation, however, revolves around Connor McDavid, who is eligible to sign an extension on July 1st. The Oilers will undoubtedly offer him a blank check, and the hope is that McDavid will commit to remaining in Edmonton for the long haul.

Beyond the contract extensions, the Oilers also need to address their goaltending situation. Stuart Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains a concern. Whether through a trade or free agency, upgrading the goaltending position is essential if the Oilers hope to take the next step. The team has already begun to free up cap space by trading Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks, signaling a willingness to shake up the roster. Other potential moves could involve trading Viktor Arvidsson or finding creative ways to shed salary.

The Verdict

Both the Maple Leafs and the Oilers are facing critical offseasons, but their situations differ significantly. The Maple Leafs are at a potential crossroads, with the possibility of losing a key player and needing to re-evaluate their core. The Oilers, on the other hand, are in a win-now mode and need to make strategic moves to bolster their roster and address their weaknesses.

In terms of who is better positioned, the Oilers likely have a slight edge. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, they have a proven core that is capable of competing for a championship. If they can successfully address their goaltending and add some depth scoring, they will undoubtedly be among the top contenders in the league next season. The Maple Leafs, while possessing talented players, face more uncertainty and need to make some tough decisions that could reshape the team for years to come.