TORONTO — Seven years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs were major players in free agency, notably signing John Tavares after a highly competitive Canada Day process.
At that time, there was significant optimism about winning multiple championships.
However, after seven premature playoff exits, the Maple Leafs now face the difficult prospect of losing a key unrestricted free agent without receiving anything in return. This situation thrusts General Manager Brad Treliving into damage control mode as he attempts to not only extend the team’s NHL-leading playoff appearance streak but also assemble a roster capable of challenging top teams like the Panthers.
This task is particularly challenging with Mitch Marner’s 102 points and strong defensive contributions departing.
It`s made even tougher by the limited availability of prime-age star players on the open market.
“If Mitch is moving on, everything he provides needs to be addressed, alongside our efforts to improve,” Treliving stated. “We will be assessing all positions.”
On the positive side, the more than $12 million in cap space freed up by Marner`s departure provides flexibility for roster construction and adding depth in the 2025-26 season.
While there is cap space to spend, this can also be a challenge, potentially leading to overpayment.
John Tavares re-signed for a team-friendly amount, and restricted free agent Matthew Knies also extended at a reasonable cost, representing successful moves by the front office.
Toronto’s defense and goaltending are not immediate priorities, allowing Treliving to concentrate his recruitment efforts on forwards.
The significant challenge is improving 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 weak unrestricted free agent class.
Treliving is specifically seeking players with a competitive edge.
“To be successful, you need everything. You need skill; you need talent. But ultimately, competitiveness is key,” Treliving emphasized.
“We see it every spring during the playoffs. We want to continue building that aspect of our team.”
- Salary Cap Situation:
- Potential UFA Targets
- Brad Marchand, LW / RW, 37, Florida Panthers, previous cap hit $6.75 million
- Andrew Mangiapane, LW, 29, Washington Capitals, previous cap hit $5.8 million
- Brandon Tanev, LW / RW, 33, Seattle Kraken, previous cap hit $3.5 million
- Corey Perry, RW, 40, Edmonton Oilers, $1.15 million previous cap hit
Salary Cap Situation:
Salary cap space: $10.1 million
Roster size: 20/23
Salary committed to forwards: $52.8 million
Salary committed to defense: $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
While the Florida Panthers have already extended Sam Bennett and reportedly made an offer to Brad Marchand – a player who has often troubled the Leafs – if Marchand, a top contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy, seeks maximum financial value, joining the team he’s helped eliminate from the playoffs five times might be his best option.
With Marner`s departure, few wingers offer Marchand`s combination of skills: contributions on the power play and penalty kill, scoring ability, and leadership. He’s a crafty veteran known for his competitive fire.
Sam Bennett described Marchand as “the most competitive player I’ve ever played with.” His addition would immediately bring intensity to Toronto`s lineup.
Marchand is reportedly Treliving’s primary target, though the Boston Bruins are also interested in re-signing him.
Andrew Mangiapane, LW, 29, Washington Capitals, previous cap hit $5.8 million
Once a productive winger with 35 goals and 55 points under Treliving in Calgary, Mangiapane has been less conspicuous after a full but lower-scoring season in Washington (14 goals, 28 points).
The hope would be that playing alongside higher-skilled teammates, the Toronto native could boost his offensive output and become a reliable middle-six forward.
Brandon Tanev, LW / RW, 33, Seattle Kraken, previous cap hit $3.5 million
You rarely hear a team complain about having too much Brandon Tanev.
The younger brother of Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev, Brandon is popular in the locker room wherever he plays and understands his role providing energy on the fourth line.
The Leafs’ fourth line remains a work in progress (Steven Lorentz is still unsigned), and Tanev would likely only fit if he’s willing to take a pay cut. A less prominent alternative could be Cole Koepke, 27, who has not yet re-signed in Boston.
Corey Perry, RW, 40, Edmonton Oilers, $1.15 million previous cap hit
Recall the 2020 off-season: then-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas chose to sign the younger Wayne Simmonds over Perry to fill the role of a gritty, net-front veteran.
While Simmonds has retired, the 40-year-old Perry continues to reach the Stanley Cup Final and shows no signs of stopping.
Expecting another season with 19 regular-season and 10 playoff goals from Perry might be unrealistic, but he possesses valuable winning experience. He`s another former Leafs antagonist who could significantly change the team`s character.
Other potential fits: Nick Bjugstad, Connor Brown, Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter, Nikolaj Ehlers, Cole Koepke, Mikey Eyssimont, Anthony Beauvillier, John Klingberg
