The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered yet another loss in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are once again on the outside looking in. With certain changes coming, including naming a new president, where will Toronto be come opening night for the 2025-26 season? General manager Brad Treliving has a major offseason ahead of him but is it time to blow this roster up?
The Maple Leafs blew a great chance
Toronto came into the 2025 playoffs as a team that neede to win the Stanley Cup. They retooled this roster, including defenseman Christopher Tanev and goaltender Anthony Stolarz. A new defense and a goaltender were supposed to be the missing pieces and they did not finish the job.
This was their best, and likely last, chance to win the Stanley Cup with this group. With the offseason now in bloom, several questions have risen to whether or not to blow this team up and retool on the fly.
Toronto has had several chances to advance in the playoffs with the core four and have failed to do so. If they cannot advance with them, then why keep them together?
Are severe changes coming for Toronto?
The biggest questions are still forwards John Tavares and Mitch Marner and if they will be back. Both are likely to test free agency, but do not expect both of them to return. The four major offensive weapons have all taken it upon themselves to carry this team into the playoffs but disappear once there.
Depth on both offense and defense have been an issue for years now and losing one or both of Tavares and Marner could be a good thing, as this would allow Treliving to upgrade the roster throughout, not just at the top.
Several key players including Marner, Tavares, Max Pacioretty, and Steven Lorentz are unrestricted free agents, while young star Matthew Knies is a restricted free agent and could be subject to an offer sheet. If this happens, several teams will be after his services. Knies could be a real asset to another team because of his size, age, scoring ability, and contract that is certainly attractive.
Stolarz has one more year after this upcoming season left on his deal. Is he going to be able to be re-signed? He was part of the duo that made noise throughout the season with youngster Joseph Woll. Would Treliving trad either one of them and make the other the teams number one? Questions surround the goaltending too, as good as it was this season.
Regardless of the contract, star status, or line they play on, every Maple Leafs player should be worried about entering next season. Hall of Famers and captains have been traded before, so maybe Treliving should view this as no player is off limits as far as trade discussions are concerned.
Treliving will either leave this roster as it or blow it up. Keeping this roster together would be pointless considering their failed play in the playoffs. Toronto is a city that could use another deep playoff run but things have to change.
Treliving would be better off trading either Tavares, Marner, or both before July 1st. If they both test free agency and leave, the Maple Leafs get nothing in return. Treliving has a lot to think about and not a lot of time to waste. It could be an interesting six weeks or so.