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NHL Insider Drops Maple Leafs Plan to Land Panthers Stars

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 1:44 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs roster could look very different come next season. With multiple key players entering free agency, the Maple Leafs front office should be hectic this summer.

The Maple Leafs will need to replace any production that leaves, and this could create a very active offseason. The team has already been linked with a few players, and the offseason can now fully get going.

According to Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star, the Maple Leafs are planning to make a run at some of the stars of the Florida Panthers. Toronto is eyeing Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad this summer.

Nick Kypreos: The Maple Leafs want to make offers on Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad; an Ekblad offer would hinge on being able to convince Morgan Rielly to waive his no move clause - Toronto Star
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 20, 2025

If the Maple Leafs were to land any of these players, it could be a game-changer. Each would bring different pieces to the team, with Marchand likely being the biggest fish.

Even at his age, Marchand has still been able to produce very heavily, especially in the playoffs. In the playoffs, Marchand scored 10 goals and 10 assists over 23 games, as he helped the Panthers claim another Stanley Cup title.

Bennett is expected to stay with the Panthers, especially after his strong postseason run. But Ekblad could be the long man out.

It has been rumored that Florida would allow the defenseman to test the open market, and that could open the door for the Maple Leafs. Ekblad would dramatically improve the Toronto defense, something that struggled against Florida in the postseason.

No matter what the Maple Leafs do, the goal is a title. The front office will need to get creative, but it could come at a price.

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

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