The best replacement options for Mitch Marner heading into next season

The Toronto Maple Leafs 2025 playoff run came to a disappointing close once again. The Florida Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the second round after being up 2–0 in the series and getting outscored 12–2 in their final two home games.

The Leafs are at a crucial point in their franchise history. Pressure from the fans and media is starting to get even bigger. At the heart of the Leafs offseason conversations will be the future of Mitch Marner—one of the team’s most divisive stars. Once viewed as a hometown hero of the Leafs and an integral part of their core, Marner has come under heavy scrutiny for his lacklustre performances in the playoffs. Now, reports suggest the 28-year-old winger may be looking at options to sign elsewhere, seeking a fresh start after years of being under the pressure and spotlight of Toronto.

The Leafs’ front office—led by General Manager Brad Treliving—should prepare for a team without Marner. Whether via free agents, finding a trade, or even from within the organization, replacing a player of his calibre and talent won’t be easy. But it is evidently clear that this mix does not work, and the Leafs should look at the next era for this team. 

External options

Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets)

Ehlers is among the top free agents available in the offseason. Known for his fast skating and craftiness on offence, he could be a potential replacement for Marner. He registered 24 goals and 39 assists in 69 games during the 2024–25 season. While his primary position is left winger, his ability to drive play and help generate scoring chances would make him an ideal fit in Toronto’s top-six forward group.

Getting him to sign at a $7–8M cap hit would make him quite the discount as the cap goes up. Ehlers would offer the Leafs cap relief compared to whatever Marner is hoping to get, creating additional roster flexibility.

Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks)

If the Leafs are looking to go for an ideal fit with another strictly right winger, Boeser could be another option. The former 40-goal scorer ended this season with 50 points in 75 games on a weaker Canucks team. With a heavy shot while improving his two-way play, Boeser could slot in seamlessly into the Leafs’ top-six alongside Auston Matthews or John Tavares.

Depending on his cap hit and where he plans to go, he’s a compelling target if he hits the open market, which could directly plug the hole in the roster that Marner leaves open.

Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers)

While not as flashy as some of the other options, Bennett also brings grit, playoff experience, and versatility while being a villain for the Leafs. He is a more dynamic option who can play either centre or wing and thrives in the biggest moments—something Toronto is desperately needing. His physical style and fearless ability to drive the net could balance out the Leafs’ offensive style.

Bennett, who played under Treliving in Calgary, is someone the GM knows and has seen, and his estimated $8-9M salary would be another cheaper option.

Clayton Keller (Utah Mammoth)

Keller is another exciting option that could be available in a potential trade, especially given his close relationship with Auston Matthews and his connection to Arizona. The two grew up playing together, and their chemistry could make him an appealing target for Toronto. Keller is a dynamic skater with strong offensive skills. Though not as defensively talented as Marner, his potential as a high-end playmaker could help the Leafs generate offence in the most significant moments. 

Internal Development

Matthew Knies

Perhaps the most exciting option on the roster, Matthew Knies, at 6’3”, is an excellent option. With his skating and puck skills, Knies has the tools to be a long-term top-six power forward. Though he’s still early in his NHL development, Knies has shown flashes of brilliance and, most importantly, shines in the postseason and could benefit from the increased role if Marner departs. His loyalty to the team could help the Leafs secure a team-friendly contract with more room to grow.

Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg

While they may not fully become the star Marner was, internal options like Robertson and Holmberg could help with depth in the short term. Robertson brings a lethal burst of offence and speed, and a shot that looks amongst the most dangerous in the league while battling for a spot in the lineup. Holmberg, meanwhile, is a reliable two-way forward who could take on bottom-six duties but has also proven to play alongside the top-six with Tavares and Nylander, allowing other skilled players to move up and down the lineup.

A new direction

The potential departure of Mitch Marner marks the end of a frustrating era for this core in Toronto, but it could also be the beginning of a more balanced team that figures out the biggest games. Whether the Leafs turn to the trade market, free agency or find it within their development pipeline, they have options—and for the first time in years, some real cap flexibility.

Replacing a two-way 100-point winger will not be easy, but what it does is give the Leafs a chance to find a new mix for this roster. As Leafs fans brace for a summer of transformation, one thing is clear: change is coming.