Maple Leafs Reportedly Planning to Trade for Former 50-Goal Scorer to Replace Mitch Marner

Much of the fan world worries about what's in store for pending unrestricted free agents John Tavares and Mitch Marner, both of whom could be testing the market in free agency.

If either departs, the team will need to act quickly to fill the void. Kreider, as much a grizzled vet as there is, has solid playoff experience but isn't necessarily suited for a team like the Leafs.

Kreider, 34, tallied 30 points in 68 games during the season and carries a career rating of 0.66 points per game. His post-season record, 76 points in 123 games, is good, but adding an older winger isn't exactly the future that's in store for the Leafs.

This year's free agent crop is not too deep, but there are a few good options available.

Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Boeser could be better replacements for Marner

Nikolaj Ehlers, who will probably cost in the vicinity of $8 million per year, could be a good Marner replacement due to his top-end offense. Brock Boeser is another possibility, but his cost may be prohibitive.

Down the road, the Maple Leafs would be wise to find younger, newer players and not older, veteran players like Kreider. Big decisions are on the horizon, so the front office will have to make smart decisions to keep the team competitive in the future.