NHL writer labels Maple Leafs as 'losers' of Connor McDavid's extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs were linked for months by fans and media to the dream of signing Connor McDavid, who instead has signed an extension with the Edmonton Oilers.

One writer has placed Toronto on a list of "losers" regarding the McDavid extension after the superstar center's decision to stay in Edmonton.

The Athletic's James Mirtle explained it is a narrative blow for the Maple Leafs due to the faded hope of someday bringing McDavid home.

"The 'Bring McDavid Home' talk had hit a fever pitch in Toronto of late ... The Leafs lost one star in the offseason, and with a weak prospect pool and aging roster, McDavid — who grew up in Newmarket, a Toronto suburb — felt like a distant, silver bullet option for the franchise if he ever made it to free agency," Mirtle wrote. "...Now it’s onto Plan B for the Leafs, who will still have tons of cap room to work with in 2026-27."

Why Maple Leafs are seen as losers of the Connor McDavid extension

It is a hard blow for Toronto for what could have been, but it does not affect its plans for the next season. McDavid represented a potential, future competitive leap.

Without the possibility of his signing, Toronto must focus on improving its project the long way through scouting, surgical trades and prospect development, an area the team has not shone in recently.

Another problem is that reserving cap space for a long-shot dream can seem like a lost opportunity. Saving cap space as a primary strategy has its risks, and the central argument for it (McDavid) is now gone.

Clearly, the McDavid speculation also had a symbolic component. His extension with the Oilers makes that "symbol" disappear and revives the perception that Toronto needs to create its own solutions, not fantasize about market opportunities.

Furthermore, any quality leap the Maple Leafs aspire to will require multiple linked successes — a strategy with a lower probability of success than adding a generational talent who, by himself, solves structural problems.

On the ice, the focus returns to the present. Toronto's first offensive line is expected to be Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews and Max Domi. Knies will provide the forecheck and net-front presence and Matthews the elite finishing, while Domi will be tasked with facilitating but also being more assertive in shooting the puck to keep defenses honest. 

The Leafs begin their season on Oct. 8 against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena.