Insider Suggests Likely Off-Season Plan for Maple Leafs to Deal With Loss of Mitch Marner
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton Imagn Images
As the off-season begins, the Maple Leafs are reviewing their options to move forward without Mitch Marner, but TSN's Chris Johnston may have shared the most likely outcome.
Unable to commit to offering contracts to John Tavares and Mitch Marner at his press conference on Thursday, Leafs GM Brad Treliving did confirm that he and his staff have been meeting to discuss all their options as free agency and the draft draw closer.
One of those options likely includes bringing back Marner, but the rest are assumed to be various contingency plans to replace the 28-year-old.
Following Treliving's press conference Thursday, TSN's Chris Johnston suggested the chances Tavares stays dropped slightly, but still believes he will stay.
That being said, on TSN's 'First Up', Johnston did reveal the most likely course of action for the Leafs.
"I think the best approach is if you can take a small step back next year without Mitch Marner. Next year might be a step back. But in summer 2026, there's the possibility for all kinds of stuff league-wide.
I think the most prudent strategy is to patch some of those holes on shorter-term deals - whether that's chasing a Marchand, a Patrick Kane, a Jamie Benn, Claude Giroux maybe. Let's see who actually hits the market.
But I think there's an argument to be made that that's the best first step in moving on from what you might do without Marner's money. Then you've got to look at some longer-term solutions that hopefully present themselves the following summer."
I think the most prudent strategy is to patch some of those holes on shorter-term deals - whether that's chasing a Marchand, a Patrick Kane, a Jamie Benn, Claude Giroux maybe. Let's see who actually hits the market.
But I think there's an argument to be made that that's the best first step in moving on from what you might do without Marner's money. Then you've got to look at some longer-term solutions that hopefully present themselves the following summer."
Is There a Legitimate Chance of Connor McDavid Joining the Maple Leafs?
It's a far-fetched idea, especially given the success the Edmonton Oilers are having once again this post-season, but Leafs Nation can dream about the potential of adding Connor McDavid in the summer of 2026.
The NHL's best offensive player is eligible to sign what would likely be the largest extension in NHL history on July 1st. Whether he re-ups with the Oilers or tests the UFA market one year later is yet to be determined.
According to PuckPedia, the Leafs will have almost $44M in cap space next off-season and could offer McDavid an astronomical deal. Should he choose to stay in Edmonton or go somewhere else, though, the 2026 free agent class is loaded with star power.
For now, however, Leafs Nation is hoping that Treliving and the Leafs plan ahead and don't overpay or over-spend in free agency this year, but are able to find reasonably priced players that will help change the DNA and help the team in the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 1 | 5538 ANSWERS Insider Suggests Likely Off-Season Plan for Maple Leafs to Deal With Loss of Mitch Marner Are you okay if the Leafs take a small step back next year? | ||
| Yes, if it gives us a deep playoff run | 2214 | 40 % |
| Anything is better than the status quo | 1292 | 23.3 % |
| Depends what the step back is | 2032 | 36.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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