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Top Insider Expects Maple Leafs to Take Major Swing' to Improve Their Roster

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Julien Trekker | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 11:56 AM ET

Insider Nick Alberga stated in a report posted on Leafs Nation that the Toronto Maple Leafs will take a 'major swing' to improve their roster next summer.

After seeing Mitch Marner sign a long-term contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, it's safe to say that Toronto Maple Leafs fans have seen their favorite team in better shape.

Marner scored nearly 100 points a season since joining the team, and won't be easily replaced, this year at least.

While there are some interesting names out there, the Leafs don't have many trade assets, and already used the cap space created by Marner's departure to sign three other players: Dakota Joshua, Matias Maccelli, Michael Pezzetta.

Combining all their salaries, along with Roy's, nearly matches the one the Leafs were paying Marner last year.

Although these players could play a big role in Toronto next season, they're no Mitch Marner.

The insider Nick Alberga revealed in a recent paper published on Leafs Nation that the General Manager of the team Brad Treliving could be waiting for next summer before making a big acquisition that would change the face of his team.

Indeed, in less than a year, one of the most impressive free agent classes will enter the market, with names such as Martin Necas, Alex Tuch, Adrian Kempe, Mike Matheson, and many more.

Please note that other big picture players such as Connor McDavid and Lane Hutson weren't included in the list because it would be surprising to see them enter the market in spite of their current contracts expiring at the end of the next season.

With the raise in the NHL cap, the Leafs will have around $24 million available next summer, indicating a big acquisition isn't off the table for Treliving and Toronto.

The expectations will be high in Toronto. The 2026 summer will be a crucial offseason for the Leafs. After the next season, there will only be two years remaining on Auston Matthews' $13M AAV deal. If nothing happens in that window, fans won't be happy, and management will likely take another route, once again.

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

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