Seven years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs were prominent figures in free agency, successfully signing John Tavares after a highly competitive bidding process on Canada Day.
At that time, the acquisition brought hopes for multiple championships.
However, after seven consecutive early playoff exits, the Maple Leafs now face the difficult situation of potentially losing a highly valuable unrestricted free agent for no return. This puts General Manager Brad Treliving in a crucial position, tasked with not only maintaining the NHL`s longest active playoff streak but also assembling a roster capable of finally defeating the Florida Panthers.
This is a significant challenge, particularly with the likely departure of Mitch Marner, who contributed 102 points and provided strong defensive play.
The task is made even harder by the scarcity of prime-age, star-level players available on the open market.
According to Treliving, “If Mitch departs, we will lose everything he brings to the team, in addition to our overall goal of getting better. We will be examining options at all positions.”
The silver lining is the over $12 million in cap space freed up by Marner`s potential departure, allowing for greater flexibility and depth in building the roster for the 2025-26 season.
While the team has funds available, managing cap space effectively can be a double-edged sword.
The front office has already secured two favorable deals: John Tavares re-signed at a significant discount, and restricted free agent Matthew Knies was extended at a reasonable rate.
With the defense and goaltending positions not requiring immediate major changes, Treliving can focus his recruitment efforts primarily on forwards.
The key challenge is to improve the team while still within its competitive window – Auston Matthews has three years remaining on his contract – without overpaying for average talent in what is considered a relatively weak UFA class.
Treliving emphasized his desire for players with strong competitive drive.
“To be successful, you need everything – skill, talent. But ultimately, it`s that competitiveness that matters most,” Treliving stated.
“We see its importance every spring during the playoffs. We want to continue building a team with that characteristic.”
Current Financial Snapshot:
- Salary cap space: $10.1 million
- Roster size: 20/23
- Salary committed to forwards: $52.8 million
- Salary committed to defence: $25.7 million
- Salary committed to goalies: $6.2 million
- Salary committed to carryover bonuses: $626,230
Potential UFA Targets
Brad Marchand, LW / RW, 37, Florida Panthers, previous cap hit $6.75 million
Although the Florida Panthers have already extended Sam Bennett and made an offer to Marchand, his best opportunity for maximum salary might be to join the Toronto franchise he has helped eliminate from five post-seasons. With Marner likely gone, no other winger available checks as many boxes – power play, penalty kill, scoring ability, leadership – as the experienced veteran known for his competitive edge.
Sam Bennett described Marchand as “the most competitive player I`ve ever played with,” and his addition would immediately inject toughness into Toronto`s lineup. He appears to be Treliving`s preferred choice, but the Boston Bruins also reportedly have interest in bringing him back.
Andrew Mangiapane, LW, 29, Washington Capitals, previous cap hit $5.8 million
Mangiapane, who once scored 35 goals and recorded 55 points under Treliving in Calgary, is somewhat overlooked after a healthy but less productive season in Washington (14 goals, 28 points). The hope would be that playing alongside high-caliber teammates, the Toronto native could increase his offensive output and become a reliable middle-six forward.
Brandon Tanev, LW / RW, 33, Seattle Kraken, previous cap hit $3.5 million
No team has ever complained about having too much of Brandon Tanev. Chris Tanev`s younger brother has been a popular teammate everywhere he`s played and understands his role as a high-energy fourth-line player. Treliving`s fourth line is still being finalized – Steven Lorentz notably remains unsigned – but Tanev would likely only be a viable option if he`s willing to accept a lower salary. A less prominent alternative could be Cole Koepke, 27, who has not re-signed with Boston.
Corey Perry, RW, 40, Edmonton Oilers, $1.15 million previous cap hit
Looking back to the 2020 off-season, then-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas opted to sign the younger Wayne Simmonds over Perry to fill the role of a gritty, net-front veteran. While Simmonds has since retired, the 40-year-old Perry continues to reach the Stanley Cup Final and has indicated he has no plans to retire. While it might be unrealistic to expect another season with 19 regular-season goals and 10 post-season points from Perry, he possesses valuable winning experience. He is another former Maple Leafs antagonist who could significantly alter the team`s dynamic.
Other potential fits: Nick Bjugstad, Connor Brown, Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter, Nikolaj Ehlers, Cole Koepke, Mikey Eyssimont, Anthony Beauvillier, John Klingberg
Tristan Blackwood