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Maple Leafs Get Reality Check After Mitch Marner's Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 8:12 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t done much to offset the loss of star forward Mitch Marner, and it’s already costing them in perception.

The Athletic published an early free-agency report cards article on July 5 covering the moves completed through the first four days into the open market, and Jonas Siegel gave the Leafs a “C” grade for their early deals.

Siegel noted the Leafs' lack of action following Marner’s departure and their perceived failure to bring in replacements to properly make up for his exit.

“It’s difficult to fully grade even the early offseason because the Leafs have clearly gotten worse in the wake of Mitch Marner’s departure, with no major additions as of yet and the same look on defense,” Siegel wrote.

Four days into NHL free agency, the list of impact players remaining on the market is … not lengthy.

Has your favorite team gotten the help it needed?

◽️Florida Panthers: A+
◽️Toronto Maple Leafs: C
◽️Chicago Blackhawks: D

Offseason grades ⤵️https://t.co/QEcYjk8OCw pic.twitter.com/O85jtbNlRb
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 5, 2025

Toronto’s first week of free agency has been quiet, to say the least. The team moved Marner in a sign-and-trade and got something in return in the shape of Nicolas Roy, then added Matias Maccelli in free agency.

Outside of those two moves, Toronto hasn’t filled the offensive gap left behind nor addressed its defense corps.

“At this point, it’s Marner, Pontus Holmberg, and Max Pacioretty (for now) out and Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Michael Pezzetta in," Siegel wrote. "Roy and Maccelli both could be shrewd additions, but that’s still a significant downgrade in talent."

The Leafs did extend former captain John Tavares and fellow forward Matthew Knies, which Siegel acknowledged as positives.

"The Leafs did well on the Matthew Knies and John Tavares contract extensions, and a sharp trade for a top-six forward could push this grade higher," Siegel noted.

Without that top-six upgrade in tow yet, the Leafs are on a race against the clock and most probably looking at trades to add talent, with the most productive free agents already off the board.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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