Why Maple Leafs shouldn't prioritize Connor McDavid signing

The Toronto Maple Leafs were recently linked to Edmonton Oilers superstar center Connor McDavid, who's entering the final year of an eight-year deal he signed in 2017. 

McDavid, 28, will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2026 if the Oilers fail to extend him this season. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs are among the teams interested in signing him.

However, clinging to McDavid might not be the best idea for Toronto, considering the other pressing needs they must address — like the extensions of other key players. 

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz's two-year deal, which he signed in 2024, will end after the 2025-26 season, and winger Matias Maccelli, acquired from Utah in June, will be an RFA next summer after his three-year contract expires.

Maple Leafs' priority should be current core, not Connor McDavid

Stolarz, 31, had a great first year in Toronto in 2024-25, posting a 2.14 GAA and a .926 SV% in 34 games. Meanwhile, Maccelli, 24, could be a solid replacement for right wing Mitch Marner, who signed with the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the offseason, and has high upside given his age.

Extending the contracts of both players could consume at least $10 million of the salary cap, which would limit Toronto's flexibility in free agency. The smarter move for the Maple Leafs is to hold off on targeting the Oilers' center and instead prioritize strengthening their current core.