Toronto’s in prime position to take a major free agency swing next summer: Alberga’s Take

341.

That’s the number of days until July 1st, 2026, a day that could go down as one of the biggest days in NHL history.

For all intents and purposes, that potential unrestricted free agent crop could transcend the NHL as we know it.

From Connor McDavid to Kirill Kaprizov to Jack Eichel to Kyle Connor, there’s no shortage of gigantic names that are now less than a year away from being able to hand pick their next destination.

But seriously, even the secondary list of names looks appetizing —at least right now.

Admittedly, it’s fair to acknowledge that a good chunk of the elite names will end up re-signing with their respective squads. Along those lines, though, with the cap’s steady increase, more teams have more money to play with, which means bigger bidding wars. More often than not, guys stay put solely because there aren’t many realistic options out there that can offer them everything they’re looking for. Suffice it is to say, that will change in the coming years.

Any way you slice it, from a Maple Leafs perspective, Brad Treliving has firmly put Toronto in a good position to pounce on that outstanding crop —if need be. Per Puck Pedia, the Leafs currently have a shade over $24 million in cap space for the 2026-27 campaign. Calle Jarnkrok, Scott Laughton, Bobby McMann, and Anthony Stolarz are all about to enter their walk years. From a restricted free agent standpoint, Mattias Maccelli and Henry Thrun will need new contracts following the upcoming season.

Full translation: The Leafs are on course to have definitive room to move and groove. At the very least, they will be ready to dance if the right song comes on.

Obviously, McDavid’s the holy grail. Every day that passes without an extension, the hunger growl gets louder and louder. If you choose to believe the pundits, he’s a pipe dream. Luckily, he’s not the only seismic name that’s entering the final year of their contract that could look sexy in the blue and white.

Imagine Martin Necas in a Leafs jersey? How about Adrian Kempe? Alex Tuch anyone?

Buckle up, Leafs Nation.