The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a busy and potentially transformative offseason, with several key storylines developing simultaneously. These include questions surrounding their recent draft picks, contract negotiations with a restricted free agent, and assessments of the team's overall performance.

Draft Day Grades and Gambles

The Maple Leafs' performance at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft has been met with harsh criticism, most notably from ESPN, which gave the team a "D" grade, the lowest of any team this year. The main point of contention is the team's apparent focus on size and physical attributes over skill and hockey sense.

With their first pick at No. 64 overall, the Leafs selected Tinus Luc Koblar, a 6-foot-3 center who played in Sweden. Koblar, a Norwegian-Slovenian player, had eight goals and 21 points in 43 games for Leksands' junior team last season. While seen as a long-term project, Koblar's size and skating ability offer some potential. Toronto followed up by drafting Tyler Hopkins in the third round, 86th overall. Hopkins, a center from Kingston (OHL), is projected to be a likely NHL player. The Leafs also selected William Belle, a hulking winger from China playing in the USHL.

ESPN's criticism suggests that the Leafs may have prioritized physical tools over hockey sense and upside, potentially sacrificing future value for a short-term philosophical fit.

Knies' Contract and Team DNA

One of the most pressing items on the Leafs' agenda is to sign Matthew Knies, a restricted free agent. Knies is expected to command a contract with an AAV of $7 million or higher. General Manager Brad Treliving has stated that he sees Knies as a long-term player for the Leafs.

Treliving has also emphasized the need to change the team's "DNA," particularly regarding their performance in critical moments. Following the Maple Leafs' Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers, Treliving noted that "champions are the calmest at the most critical time". He stressed the importance of creating a team that can perform at its best when it matters most.

Salary Cap Situation and Potential Moves

The Maple Leafs have a projected cap space of $21,320,581 for the 2025-26 season. The NHL salary cap for the 2025-26 season is set at $95.5 million, an increase of $7.5 million from the previous season. The Leafs have 33 players under contract.

With Mitch Marner eligible for a contract extension and set to become an unrestricted free agent, there is speculation that he may test the market. There have been reports of active negotiations between the Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights for a sign-and-trade deal involving Marner. One potential player the Leafs could receive in return is Nick Wah. The Leafs may also free up cap space by trading or buying out David Kampf and/or Calle Jarnkrok.

The Leafs are reportedly looking to add a top-six winger or a second-line center. One potential trade target is Rasmus Andersson, a defenseman for the Calgary Flames. Another defenseman, Brandon Carlo, has also been mentioned in trade rumors, despite being acquired by the Leafs at last season's trade deadline.

The Leafs recently signed John Tavares to a four-year contract extension worth $17.55 million.