As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to get ready for the NHL season, the front office seems busy in looking to improve the roster. Toronto lost star Mitch Marner in free agency this offseason, and the team has found it tough to replace his production in the lineup.
The Maple Leafs have been rumored to desire another top-six addition before the season starts, but that remains to be seen. With the new year starting up in a few weeks, the clock is ticking if they want to make a late offseason move.
But it does feel like this team could have some sort of plan in place. Things have gotten a little testy in Toronto, and the front office knows that the fanbase isn't happy with how everything has gone.
Even with all the narratives around the Maple Leafs this summer, this team is a sleeping giant. And it seems that Toronto could be eyeing something big down the line.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs plan to be aggressive this season, but the team also may be looking ahead to next offseason. Toronto has been linked with some of the bigger names that are expected to be on the free agent market next summer.
Pierre LeBrun: Re Leafs: They want to be aggressive in-season...but they also know there might be a play next summer - TSN (9/17)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 19, 2025
The big player who can become a free agent next summer is Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, and the Maple Leafs have been heavily discussed about him. While it remains unknown if McDavid will actually hit the open market, Toronto could be planning to make a move if he does.
Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights can also become a free agent, as well as some other stars across the league. Things may seem a little bleak for the Maple Leafs right now, but fast forward a year, and a lot could change for them.
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