In today’s NHL rumors rundown, two scribes looked at Plan B for the Toronto Maple Leafs if either John Tavares or Mitch Marner leaves in free agency. Will the organization try to fill those holes right away or wait? And, if they wait, could the Maple Leafs keep their options open this summer in the hopes that someone like Connor McDavid becomes available?
What if Marner Leaves? What Is Plan B for the Maple Leafs?
Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle of The Athletic examined backup options for the Maple Leafs if either John Tavares or Mitch Marner leaves this summer.
Related: How the Maple Leafs’ Deadline Acquisitions Have Fared so Far
If Tavares goes, the Leafs might try to go after Sam Bennett, assuming he doesn’t re-sign with the Florida Panthers. If not Bennett, Matt Duchene might be an option.
They write:
“Duchene has been signing for a bargain with the Stars lately — just $3 million a season on one-year deals — which adds another layer to considering him as an option. Would he take a discount to come play close to his hometown of Haliburton, 200 kilometres north of Toronto?”
source – ‘If Mitch Marner leaves the Maple Leafs in free agency, what is Plan B?’ – Jonas Siegel – James Mirtle – The Athletic – 04/01/2025
They also mentioned Brock Nelson and Mikael Granlund as possible targets.
If Marner goes, the first option the Leafs will look at is Nikolaj Ehlers or Brock Boeser. There is a feeling that adding an undersized winger in Ehlers might not be the team’s priority. Boeser “might be more the Leafs front office’s speed.” They add:
Ehlers and Boeser are both nearing 30 years old and, given their status as top free agents in a weak field in a rising cap environment, feel likely to be overpaid in free agency. Think $8 million to $9 million as a starting point.
If the Leafs choose not to work from a smaller UFA market on a long-term signing, they could pursue someone on a one—or two-year deal. Brad Marchand might be a name to watch in that regard. They also suggest Patrick Kane could be an option. Backup plans to those two could include Jamie Benn, Claude Giroux, Jonathan Drouin, Taylor Hall, and Brandon Saad.
Could the Leafs Wait for Connor McDavid?
The two scribes wondered if the best play was to wait and keep their powder dry until free agency in 2026. Some big names potentially becoming available include Jack Eichel, Artemi Panarin, Kyle Connor, Kirill Kaprizov, and, most notably, Connor McDavid.
With the NHL salary cap projected to rise to $104 million, several elite players could hit the open market, and the Maple Leafs may want to position themselves to strike.
Specifically, Siegel and Mirtle note that while many of these stars may re-sign before then, the possibility of McDavid testing free agency remains intriguing. If he doesn’t re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers this summer, Toronto could emerge as a potential landing spot.”If he were to leave Edmonton, the chance to play for his hometown team, and with close pal Matthews — who shares the same agent in Judd Moldaver — could be appealing.”
If the Leafs lose Mitch Marner in free agency next year, they might consider several different scenarios. Both agreed that the likelihood of Tavares returning would probably increase if Marner left. He could be one of the key parts of any game plan moving forward.