TORONTO — Seven years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs were major players in free agency, famously signing John Tavares after a highly competitive process on Canada Day.
At that time, there was widespread hope for multiple championships.
However, after seven consecutive early playoff exits, the Maple Leafs now face the prospect of losing a key unrestricted free agent for no return. This situation puts General Manager Brad Treliving in a challenging position as he attempts to both maintain the NHL`s longest playoff streak and assemble a roster capable of overcoming formidable opponents like the Panthers.
Replacing Mitch Marner`s significant contribution of 102 points and strong defensive play represents a considerable challenge.
The task is made even more difficult by the limited availability of prime-age All-Star talent on the upcoming free agent market.
Regarding Marner`s potential departure, Treliving stated, “If Mitch is going, there is everything that he does, as well as trying to get better. We will look at all positions.”
One upside is that the more than $12 million saved by not signing Marner provides financial flexibility for building the 2025-26 roster, potentially allowing for greater creativity and depth.
While having money to spend is beneficial, it can also be a challenge, particularly in a weak free agent class.
Positive developments for the front office include John Tavares re-signing at a team-friendly rate and restricted free agent Matthew Knies also being extended on a fair deal.
With the team`s defense and goaltending relatively stable and not requiring immediate major changes, Treliving can concentrate his recruitment efforts primarily on forward positions.
The significant challenge is to improve the team while still within Auston Matthews` championship window (three years remaining on his contract) without overpaying for average talent in a limited UFA pool.
Treliving emphasized his desire for competitive players.
“You need everything to be successful. You need skill; you need talent. But ultimately, it is that competitiveness,” Treliving commented.
“We see it every spring and every playoff. We want to continue to build that.”
Team Financials
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
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Brad Marchand, LW / RW, 37, Florida Panthers, previous cap hit $6.75 million
Florida has made an offer to Marchand, a longtime Maple Leafs playoff antagonist. However, if Marchand seeks maximum salary, joining the team he has helped eliminate from five post-seasons might be his best opportunity.
With Marner potentially gone, no winger offers a better combination of skills – power play, penalty kill, scoring, and leadership – than the experienced veteran known for his competitive drive.
Sam Bennett described Marchand as “the biggest dawg I’ve ever played with,” highlighting the snarl he would immediately add to Toronto`s lineup.
He is reportedly Treliving`s primary target, although Boston also has interest in bringing him back.
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Andrew Mangiapane, LW, 29, Washington Capitals, previous cap hit $5.8 million
Mangiapane, who once scored 35 goals and 55 points under Treliving in Calgary, is perhaps being overlooked after a healthy but less productive season in Washington (14 goals, 28 points).
The hope would be that playing alongside high-end forwards in Toronto could boost his offensive production and establish him as a reliable middle-six forward.
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Brandon Tanev, LW / RW, 33, Seattle Kraken, previous cap hit $3.5 million
Brandon, brother of Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev, is known as a popular teammate and understands his role as a fourth-line energy player.
Toronto`s fourth line is still being evaluated. Tanev could be a good fit if he is willing to accept a lower salary. Cole Koepke, 27, who has not re-signed in Boston, could be another less prominent option.
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Corey Perry, RW, 40, Edmonton Oilers, $1.15 million previous cap hit
In the 2020 off-season, former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas chose Wayne Simmonds over Perry for a gritty, net-front veteran role. While Simmonds has retired, the 40-year-old Perry continues to reach the Stanley Cup Final and intends to keep playing.
It may be unrealistic to expect another season of 19 regular-season and 10 post-season goals from Perry, but his experience in winning and his ability to change the team`s dynamic make him an intriguing option, despite being another former Leafs rival.
Other Potential Fits
- Nick Bjugstad
- Connor Brown
- Mikael Granlund
- Pius Suter
- Nikolaj Ehlers
- Cole Koepke
- Mikey Eyssimont
- Anthony Beauvillier
- John Klingberg