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NHL Insider Drops Major Update on Maple Leafs Offseason Plans

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 2:52 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs front office may be one of the busiest around the NHL this offseason. With Toronto having multiple key players entering free agency, the roster could look very different come next season.

The Maple Leafs fell short in the playoffs once again, leading to a lot of frustration all across the organization. Even the fans have been frustrated, and they showed it during the Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers.

As the offseason gets going, Toronto will have to make some tough choices across the roster. But it seems that the team may be eyeing one direction more than another to make moves.

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Maple Leafs may be more active in exploring moves on the trade market rather than in free agency.

David Pagnotta: The Maple Leafs are more active exploring options on the trade market than free agency - Leafs Morning Take
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 19, 2025

This isn't overly surprising, but the Maple Leafs do need to add to this team. Toronto is likely to lose Marner, and the organization will need to replace his production in the lineup.

Additionally, star John Tavares will be a free agent, and the Maple Leafs will look to keep him around. Many around the league expect Tavares to stay in Toronto, but free agency always has some twists and turns.

Keith Pelley, president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, understands changes need to be made and spoke on it after the season ended.

"I think we have to be on the pathway to win the Stanley Cup," Pelley said. "I think the city has told us that, the media has told us that. We haven't won since 1967. When you look at the last 11 years, no other team has made the playoffs nine years. That's a testament to the development and foundation that Brendan built. Our next step is to take it to the next level and we felt that this move would help us get to the next level. Make no mistake about it, making the playoffs and winning rounds is not our aspirational goal; our goal is to win the Stanley Cup."

If Toronto doesn't replace the players they are expected to lose, next year could be even tougher. But this team wants to win a title, and seems determined to make it happen.

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

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