Maple Leafs Have a Legitimate Chance to Bring in a New Star Winger to Replace Marner

As the offseason begins for every NHL team not named the Edmonton Oilers or Florida Panthers, attention turns to how each organization can improve before next season.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, speculation and change are already underway. Star winger Mitch Marner is widely expected to be on his way out, with reports suggesting the relationship between him and the team has deteriorated.

If he does leave, a his nearly $11 million cap hit would come off the books - giving Toronto significant financial flexibility this offseason.

One potential replacement generating buzz that he may be on the move is 27-year-old St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou.

According to Frank Seravalli, via NHL Rumour Report on X:

Kyrou, a Toronto native, has topped 70 points in three of the last four seasons, including 36 goals and 70 points this past year. His offensive upside and youth make him an extremely attractive target - especially at his extremely affordable $8.125 million cap hit, which runs for the next five seasons.

What makes Kyrou an even more logical fit for Toronto is his familiarity with head coach Craig Berube, having played under him in St. Louis. That pre-existing relationship coupled with Toronto being his hometown, could make the Leafs an ideal landing spot.

Meanwhile, another rumored Leafs target - veteran winger Chris Kreider - is now off the table after being traded to the Anaheim Ducks earlier today. If he was on Toronto's radar, they didn't act quickly enough, and may now need to accelerate their pursuit of other options.

As Toronto prepares for life without Mitch Marner and his offensive production, the pressure is on for GM Brad Treliving to act decisively. If Kyrou hits the trade market, he could be the perfect replacement.