Maple Leafs' Fantasy Outlook for 2025-26: Projected Stars and Hidden Gems
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have one heck of a 2025-26 season, but for those who might have them on their fantasy teams; who should you target this year?
Let's take a brief look at what the team was accomplished last year in terms of fantasy odds and what their Cup odds look like.
2024-2025 Fantasy Team Information:
Toronto Maple Leafs
52-26-4, 108 Pts. 1st Atlantic, 4th Overall.
52-26-4, 108 Pts. 1st Atlantic, 4th Overall.
3.26 GF/GP (7th), 2.79 GA/GP (8th), 24.8 PP% (9th), 77.8 PK% (17th)
Top scorer: Mitch Marner - 81 GP. 27-75-102, 33 PP Points, 393 shots, 7 GWG, 40 Blocks, 21:19 TOI/GP.
2025-26 BetMGM Stanley Cup Odds:
Opening: +2000
Current: +1900 (as of August 24, 2025)
Opening: +2000
Current: +1900 (as of August 24, 2025)
With the 2026-25 NHL season creeping up on us, it's time to get your fantasy drafts in, and while there are a ton of great picks available, let's take a look at who are sure bets, dark horses, and potential busts for the Maple Leafs.
Three Stars Projected to Lead the Pack
1. Auston Matthews - 47G, 44A, 91 Points, 75 Blocks, 85 Hits, 20 PPG, 20:48 TOI
The captain rightfully earns top billing as he looks to avenge his poor season last year and step up in the wake of losing Mitch Marner. His 33 goals in 67 games is not indicative of what he can bring, and as the sole breadwinner of the top line's offensive power sees him come back stronger (so long as he's healthy).
It's Auston Matthews; use your first round pick on him if you can (though depending on where you're sitting? Connor McDavid clearly).
2. William Nylander - 51G, 34A, 85 Points, 64 Blocks, 65 Hits, 27 PPG, 21:12 TOI
The Swedish superstar finally eclipses the 50-goal plateau for the Maple Leafs and continues his dominance alongside John Tavares. His rise to stardom cannot be overlooked, and if the team can add a proper winger on the left side then Nylander can do some serious damage.
Plus, the team will now look to Nylander as their two-way spark plug like Marner, and he will earn himself those crucial last minute shifts.
An easy top-3 round pick.
3. Matthew Knies - 31G, 34A, 65 Points, 210 Hits, 104 Blocks, 10 PPG, 21:09 TOI
You can only say Matthew Knies is breaking out for so long until he's officially arrived, and that happens in 2025-26. He not only eclipses 30 goals, but adds a bit more playmaking to his already versatile skillset, and overpowers his way into a solid fantasy spot.
Craig Berube is going to trust him a lot going forward, and with him locked up he seems to be a surefire bet each coming season.
I wouldn't waste a first round pick on him, but if he's available come Round 4 or 5, scoop him up.
Three Mid-Range Options With Breakout Potential
1. Matias Maccelli - 14G, 49A, 63 Points, 35 Blocks, 45 Hits, 4 PPG, 18:19 TOI
Maccelli, arguably the biggest fish acquired this offseason, brings a youthful dynamic to the oldest roster in the league and provides them with a bit of that playmaking Mitch Marner had.
It's crazy to think he could be Marner 2.0 but with enough patience he can turn into a great secondary piece and Auston Matthews' new playmaker. Expect him to hit his stride around mid-November, but also expect some growing pains along the way.
Buy low, sell high.
2. Morgan Rielly - 8G, 44A, 52 Points, 67 Blocks, 48 Hits, 5 PPG, 22:14 TOI
Another bounce back candidate, Rielly is going to need to show up in a big way if the Maple Leafs are to have any success in the regular season and the playoffs.
He will need to shoulder a lot of the power play load, and while there are questions about his placement in the lineup, a full season with Brandon Carlo can only do him wonders, and the fact that he is still a very good defenseman shouldn't be lost on you.
However much like Maccelli it is a bit of a gamble, and Rielly is best to be taken in the lower rounds as a steal as opposed to a surefire bet.
3. Anthony Stolarz - 30 Wins, 78 Goals Against, 914 Saves, 5 Shutouts
We're gonna take a look at a goalie option now, and while Joseph Woll might be the sexier pick because of his youth; don't bet against a sure thing.
Stolarz, though prone to injury at times, has proven he is a true starter and the team will rely heavily on him replicating or even bettering his 21-8-3 record last year.
Don't expect Stolarz to handle a 50+ game workload with Woll in the mix, but he can easily be a top-15 option for you, and among the names you could end up with is one of the more stable options; plus he should still be available in the mid-rounds.
Three Risks That Could Hold the Leafs Back
1. Max Domi - 10G, 26A, 36 Points, 54 Hits, 29 Blocks, 2 PPG, 17:14 TOI
Look, for as iconic as the Domi name is in Toronto, it's not Max who gets the appreciation. A lot of money was spent on Domi in the hopes he could bring that bottom-six punch but has so far been streakier than dollar store Windex.
Domi is going to get every shot to play on the top line with Auston Matthews, and while there is hope; we need him to prove he belongs there. He hits about the same point total as last year and is a surefire candidate to be dealt at the deadline if he doesn't fit.
If you gotta draft someone, he'll be fine but don't expect much and he's definitely a waiver pickup if anything.
2. Oliver Ekman-Larsson - 3G, 29A, 71 Hits, 59 Blocks, 0 PPG, 18:26 TOI
Again, much was said about bringing in the veteran Ekman-Larsson but for the price they did and what he can offer now it's a bit much. Sure, he's got a great resume and brings an edge to the ice, but is slowing down in his age and is definitely more so a 5/6 option.
There's a lot of positives he can bring into the lineup but with guys like Henry Thrun, William Villeneuve and even Matt Benning nipping at his heels, he really needs to impress to make sure his spot isn't in jeopardy.
Only pick him up if you need injury help, otherwise there are better picks.
3. John Tavares - 28G, 32A, 60 Points, 88 Hits, 37 Blocks, 9 PPG, 19:10 TOI
I know, I know. It's egregious to say that Tavares, a player who just scored 38 goals last season to be a risk, but he will be. It's hard to ask a player who is going to be 35 to replicate that type of performance, and age catches up to everyone eventually.
It's not worth wasting a high pick over, and Tavares should be available in the mid-tier rounds but there is always the question of regression, and there's a chance that if you bank on him to be the same player he was last year; you might be disappointed.
We can expect John Tavares to have a good year, he always does; it's John Tavares.
But be wary when drafting him, and don't get your expectations too high that you'll see another 38-goal outburst like we did in 2024-25.
Honorable Mentions
Joseph Woll (25 Wins, 89 GA), Nicolas Roy (18G, 33A, 51P, 100 Hits), Bobby McMann (23G, 19A, 42P, 156 Hits)
So there you have it Leafs fans; these are some names you should keep an eye out if you want to add some blue and white representation to your fantasy team in 2025-26.
Best of luck, and may the picks be ever in your favor.
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