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Maple Leafs Set Not to Replace Mitch Marner in Their Leadership Group for This Reason

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 1:23 PM ET

Last season, Mitch Marner was a key part of the Toronto Maple Leafs leadership group, but after his departure, they likely aren't replacing him.

This off-season, Mitch Marner officially departed the Toronto Maple Leafs via sign-and-trade, leaving the only NHL organization he's known to this point to join the Vegas Golden Knights.

It's a big loss for the Maple Leafs, and while many fans believe that they're better off without him, replacing a 100-point player isn't quite the easy feat that many would hope it could be.

Toronto set to leave their leadership group untouched

One way the team aren't replacing Marner however is in the leadership group, as Craig Berube revealed the Maple Leafs plans for their letters in 2025/26 during an interview with The Athletic.

'We thought about that and discussed it. I think we leave the A's with Morgan (Rielly) and JT. But our leadership group is more than that, and that's what matters for me. You don't have to have an A on or anything like that to be a leader. We have our leadership group and that group's strong, and I think all the guys understand that. I think we'll just leave the A's with Morgan and JT right now. Whether that changes or not, it could. But right now, it's not.'

According to Berube, the leadership group from last season will remain untouched, with Matthews as captain and the duo of Tavares & Rielly to be the only ones wearing A's in 2025/26.

However, the veteran coach reiterates that the leadership is much more than just who wears letters, with players like Chris Tanev, Jake McCabe and Max Domi all leaders despite not being an official part of that group.

Ultimately, there's time for things to change if Berube feels that change is necessary, but for now, the team are sticking strong with three leaders as they look to finally make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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