The Toronto Maple Leafs embark on a new chapter, opening their 2025-26 season against the Montreal Canadiens without Mitch Marner for the first time in nine years. The team has undergone significant changes in the off-season, trading Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights after he declined to sign an extension. In return, the Leafs acquired depth forward Nicolas Roy. General Manager Brad Treliving also added forwards Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua, aiming to create a deeper and more physical team under coach Craig Berube's system.
Life After Marner
The departure of Marner, who recorded a team-high 102 points last season, leaves a significant void in the Leafs' offense and on special teams. To address this, the team will adopt a "by committee" approach, hoping that the new additions can collectively compensate for Marner's offensive contributions. "We've turned the page, right?" Treliving said. "We're moving forward. We wish Mitch all the best, but our focus is on our team — not what was, it's what it is now".
Maccelli is slated to start on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. Coach Berube is eager to see how the new players fit into the lineup. "It's a change. We all know that," Berube said. The team hopes that Maccelli can rediscover the form he showed in the 2023-24 season when he tallied 57 points. Joshua is expected to bring energy and physicality to the third line.
New Faces in the Lineup
Several new players will be making their debut for the Maple Leafs. Besides Maccelli and Joshua, Nicolas Roy will add defensive reliability to the third line. The Maple Leafs claimed Sammy Blais off waivers from the Canadiens. Blais previously played under Berube in St. Louis and is eager to prove he can still be an impactful player.
The Maple Leafs announced their opening night roster, which included a few surprises. Nick Robertson and Jacob Quillan both earned spots on the roster, while Easton Cowan, the Leafs' 2023 first-round pick, was assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL.
Primeau Claimed off Waivers
With goaltender Joseph Woll on a leave of absence with no definite return date, the Maple Leafs have been looking to bolster their depth in net. The team claimed Cayden Primeau off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. "We like the background of Cayden. It gives us more depth," Treliving said. Primeau is the son of former NHL star Keith Primeau. He will serve as the backup to Anthony Stolarz, who is expected to be the starting goalie.
Leafs vs. Canadiens: Opening Night
The Maple Leafs begin their season against a young Canadiens team. Montreal coach Martin St. Louis has confirmed that Sam Montembeault will start in goal for the Canadiens. Last season, Montembeault had a historic 48-save shutout against Toronto on opening night. The Canadiens won that game 1-0.
Despite the changes, the Maple Leafs are determined to contend for the Atlantic Division title. The team's core of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares remains intact. With a blend of new additions and established stars, the Leafs aim to prove they are tougher, deeper, and more united this season.
