The “Core Four” era in Toronto has concluded. With Mitch Marner traded to the Vegas Golden Knights via a sign-and-trade agreement, the Maple Leafs face an urgent need to find a suitable replacement for the star winger.
Undoubtedly, replacing a player of Marner`s caliber is a significant challenge. He consistently produced at a 100-point pace, contributed reliable defensive play, and was a key component of all special teams units. While Toronto is unlikely to find a single player who can replicate all these contributions, they can explore various avenues to offset the impact of his departure.
One potential solution is already within the organization and committed for the next six years: Matthew Knies. Knies possesses the potential for significant growth, but he alone cannot entirely compensate for Marner`s absence. Fortunately for the Maple Leafs, several promising options exist both on the trade market and among unrestricted free agents.
Two dynamic young forwards in the Western Conference might become available before the 2025-26 season, and either could be an excellent fit for Toronto. Additionally, as free agency commences, there are other players the Maple Leafs should consider targeting.
Let`s examine potential candidates and strategies for the Maple Leafs to address the offensive and all-around contribution gap left by Marner.
Matthew Knies, LW, Maple Leafs
Regardless of other moves the Maple Leafs make, the continued development of Matthew Knies is paramount in their effort to replace Marner`s production. Marner`s departure leaves a substantial scoring void, requiring multiple players to step up. Knies is expected to be a key part of this collective effort.
At just 22 years old, Knies had a breakout season, tallying 29 goals and 29 assists in 78 games. He is still ascending in his career, and there`s optimism he could reach the 40-goal plateau in the coming seasons. This potential is clearly something the Leafs are banking on, having recently signed him to a six-year extension with an average annual value of $7.75 million. A key question remains: can Knies maintain his trajectory and avoid hitting a wall when asked to take on a significantly larger role and responsibility?
Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars
Jason Robertson presents perhaps the most compelling external option for the Maple Leafs. The Dallas Stars are currently tight against the salary cap, with limited space and several roster spots to fill, particularly among forwards. This financial situation, coupled with Robertson`s $7.75 million cap hit and the need for a new contract next summer, suggests he could potentially be moved.
Over the past three seasons, only 15 NHL players have scored more goals than Robertson`s 110. He is a formidable offensive presence capable of driving play and excelling on the rush. A major selling point is that Robertson, at only 25, has already achieved two 40-goal seasons. Players of this caliber, in their prime, are rarely available. If Robertson is indeed on the trade block, Toronto`s management should be aggressively pursuing a deal with Stars GM Jim Nill.
Martin Necas, RW, Colorado Avalanche
While the Colorado Avalanche only acquired Martin Necas midway through the last season, he is entering the final year of his contract. Avalanche General Manager Joe Sakic has shown a willingness to trade key players if contract negotiations reach an impasse. If Colorado believes signing Necas to a long-term deal, potentially worth close to $10 million per year, is unfeasible, the skilled winger might find himself on the move again.
Should Necas become available, Toronto would be an ideal landing spot. After joining Colorado, Necas played effectively alongside Nathan MacKinnon, recording 11 goals and 17 assists in 30 games. Furthermore, the Avalanche were dominant at five-on-five with Necas on the ice. In Toronto, Necas could potentially line up with Auston Matthews, forming a highly dangerous duo given Necas`s playmaking ability complementing Matthews` elite shooting.
Nikolaj Ehlers, LW
Often considered one of the more underutilized offensive talents in the league, Nikolaj Ehlers is a top name among free agents. His exceptional speed and high offensive intelligence make him a very attractive option for the Maple Leafs following Marner`s departure.
In each of the last three seasons, Ehlers has played less than 16 minutes per game, a usage often seen as insufficient for his skill level. Despite this limited ice time, he still managed to exceed 60 points in each of the past two seasons, demonstrating remarkable offensive efficiency. This ability to produce at a high rate in limited minutes should be highly appealing to Toronto, especially with established stars like Matthews and William Nylander already on the roster, along with the developing Knies. A move to Toronto could potentially see Ehlers` production soar with increased opportunity.
Brock Boeser, RW
While Brock Boeser may not offer the same level of playmaking prowess as Mitch Marner or the other players mentioned, he is a proven goal scorer. He has consistently scored at a 20-goal pace throughout his full NHL seasons, and impressively hit the 40-goal mark in 2023-24. Adding this kind of finishing ability would significantly help offset the scoring loss resulting from Marner`s trade.
Boeser is known to be a streaky scorer, but when he`s hot, he can find the back of the net in bunches. His 40-goal season in 81 games two years ago demonstrated his potential when consistently producing. The possibility of pairing Matthews and Boeser, two players with potent shots, is an exciting prospect. Like several players this free agency period, Boeser`s next contract might exceed his average production value, but the Maple Leafs have a clear need for another impact forward in their top six.
