Toronto`s “Core Four” era is changing. Following a sign-and-trade deal sending Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Maple Leafs must urgently find a way to fill the significant gap left by the star winger.
Filling Marner`s role is a major challenge. Consistently scoring at a 100-point pace, contributing defensively, and impacting all special teams, he`s a unique player. While no single replacement will match his full skillset, the team can mitigate the impact of his absence.
Part of the solution lies with a player already on the team, signed for six more years: Matthew Knies. He shows promise for growth, but cannot be expected to replace Marner single-handedly. Fortunately for Toronto, viable options exist through potential trades and the free agent market.
Two impactful young forwards from the Western Conference might become available before the 2025-26 season, representing excellent fits for the Maple Leafs. Additionally, free agency, starting Tuesday at noon ET, presents a few more potential targets Toronto should consider.
Here`s a closer examination of potential ways the Maple Leafs can address the void left by Marner`s departure:
Matthew Knies, LW, Maple Leafs
Regardless of other moves the Maple Leafs make to replace Marner`s production, the continued development of Knies is crucial. Marner leaves a significant hole in Toronto`s lineup, requiring multiple players to step up. Knies needs to be one of them.
At 22, Knies had a breakout year with 29 goals and 29 assists in 78 games. He is on an upward trajectory, and there`s reason to believe he could reach the 40-goal mark in the coming years. This potential is clearly what the Leafs are banking on, having just signed him to a six-year contract worth $7.75 million per season. The question is whether Knies can handle an increased role without his performance dipping.
Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars
Robertson presents perhaps the most intriguing possibility for the Maple Leafs. The Stars are currently less than one million dollars under the salary cap with only 10 forwards signed, a situation that doesn`t add up. This financial crunch suggests Robertson and his $7.75 million cap hit could be moved, especially with his contract needing renewal next summer.
Over the past three seasons, only 15 players have scored more goals than Robertson`s 110. He`s a dominant offensive force capable of beating teams off the rush. A major selling point is that Robertson has already hit the 40-goal mark twice by age 25. Players of this caliber in their prime are rarely available. If Robertson is indeed on the market, Toronto`s GM needs to be persistently contacting Dallas.
Martin Necas, RW, Colorado Avalanche
Although the Colorado Avalanche only acquired Necas mid-last season, he is entering the final year of his contract. General Manager Joe Sakic has shown willingness to trade key players if contract negotiations are far apart. If Colorado believes signing Necas to a potentially $10 million-per-year deal is unlikely, the skilled winger might be on the move again.
Should Necas be traded, Toronto would be an ideal destination. After joining Colorado, Necas played alongside Nathan MacKinnon, scoring 11 goals and adding 17 assists in 30 games. Moreover, Colorado was notably effective with Necas on the ice at five-on-five. With the Maple Leafs, Necas could potentially play on a line with Auston Matthews, creating a dangerous duo given Necas`s playmaking and Matthews`s elite shooting ability.
Nikolaj Ehlers, LW
Considered one of the league`s potentially under-utilized forwards, Ehlers is a top free agent option. His exceptional speed and offensive intelligence make him a strong candidate for the Maple Leafs following Marner`s departure.
In each of the last three seasons, Ehlers has had limited ice time, playing less than 16 minutes per game. Despite this, he managed over 60 points in each of the last two seasons, demonstrating impressive production efficiency. This level of skill is undoubtedly appealing to Toronto, especially with Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and William Nylander already on the roster. Ehlers` production could soar in a Leafs uniform with more opportunity.
Brock Boeser, RW
While Boeser may not offer the same level of playmaking as Marner or others on this list, he is a proven goal-scorer. He has consistently performed at a 20-goal pace in his full NHL seasons, topping out with 40 goals in 2023-24. This type of scoring punch would help compensate for some of the offensive output lost with Marner`s exit.
Boeser is known for being a streaky player, but when he`s hot, he can score in bunches. Two seasons ago, he was consistently hot, hitting 40 goals in 81 games. The prospect of pairing Matthews and Boeser, both possessing powerful shots, is exciting. Like many players in this free agency period, Boeser`s next contract might exceed his typical production value, but Toronto undeniably needs another top-six forward option.
