The Toronto Maple Leafs' offseason took an unexpected turn when a proposed three-team trade involving Mitch Marner fell through, ultimately leading to a significant reshaping of their roster. The initial plan, reportedly involving a deal with multiple teams, never materialized, forcing General Manager Brad Treliving to explore alternative options. Ultimately, Marner was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for forward Nicolas Roy.
The departure of Marner, a nine-year veteran who tallied 27 goals and 75 assists for a total of 102 points last season, leaves a noticeable void in the Maple Leafs' offensive lineup. His playmaking abilities and two-way presence will be difficult to replace, putting pressure on Treliving to find a suitable replacement. Marner cited his pursuit of a Stanley Cup as the primary reason for joining Vegas, stating that he wants to be in a place where he can win. In his nine seasons with the Leafs, the team never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.
Treliving has expressed optimism about acquiring a top-six forward to fill the gap left by Marner. One potential solution lies in Pittsburgh with Rickard Rakell, a 32-year-old Swedish right winger who scored 35 goals last season. Rakell has three years remaining on his six-year, $30 million contract, with an annual cap hit of $5 million. According to Hockey News analyst Michael DeRosa, Toronto would "stand out as a prime potential landing spot for Rakell".
Another option for the Maple Leafs is Matias Maccelli, a 24-year-old winger. Maccelli is coming off two seasons of 49 and 57 points in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively, although his production dipped to 18 points in 2024-25. If Maccelli can rebound, he could potentially substitute some of Marner's offensive output.
The Maple Leafs have just under $2 million in cap space heading into next season. While they can add salary in a trade, it would require parting with additional assets. The team's lack of desirable future options, including not having a first-round pick until 2028, further complicates their ability to make significant acquisitions.
The failed three-team trade and subsequent Marner deal have created both challenges and opportunities for the Maple Leafs. While replacing a player of Marner's caliber is no easy task, it allows the team to explore different roster configurations and potentially add new dimensions to their game. The success of the Maple Leafs' upcoming season may hinge on how effectively they can address the void left by Marner and integrate new players into their system.
