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Maple Leafs Predicted to Add $20 Million Forward After Mitch Marner Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 10:11 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to lose a major piece of their team this offseason, but could have another top-tier replacement lined up.

Chris Bengel of CBS Sports predicted the landing spots for the NHL's top free agents this offseason, suggesting that the Leafs will lose star Mitch Marner to the Las Vegas Golden Knights. But Bengel predicted the Leafs will make up some of the difference by landing Vancouver Canucks right winger Brock Boeser.

Bengel called Boeser a "crafty goal scorer that can find the back of the net from just about anywhere on the ice," despite a dip in production last season.

"Teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs also make a ton of sense for the star winger," Bengel wrote. "If the Maple Leafs end up losing Marner in free agency, it wouldn't be shocking to see them try to replace that production among their top-six with Boeser."

While there is some speculation that Marner could return to Toronto, Boeser appears resigned to the idea of leaving Vancouver. The 28-year-old was asked about whether he could return to the Canucks, saying the franchise is ready to move on.

“Honestly, it's unlikely at this point,” Boeser said. "It [stinks]. It's unfortunate. I'm just trying to play good hockey and then I'll worry about everything after that. We all know it's been a roller coaster of a year. There's been a lot of different things.”

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

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