Maple Leafs Must Keep 2026 Free Agency in Sight With Blockbuster Names Looming

There's been a lot of debate about whether or not Brad Treliving is going to make a last minute move in order to add a player to his top six and bring in that piece who can help replace the loss of Mitch Marner.

Heavily linked to several names, the team needs to make a few more moves to get rid of some names if they wanna open up some cap and roster space. But what if they were to hold off this summer, play things out and wait until next year?

Yes, some would think that is a bit crazy given that Toronto needs to recoup what they lost as soon as possible, but with a lack of cap and roster space, it's harder than you think; and next year makes things a lot easier.

The team is going to have a lot more money and room next season, and with the bevy of elite talent that could be a part of next season's free agent class, they have much more selection available to them.

Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Cale Makar, Nikita Kucherov, Kyle Connor, Kirill Kaprizov, Evgeni Malkin and many other superstars adorn the class of 2026, and with them all wanting mega deals, the Leafs have the chance to make a huge splash.

Considering the contracts they are losing are mainly depth pieces (minus Anthony Stolarz) so they can afford to make a play for a name or two to beef up their lineup, and use some of their other players as depth options, and it's not like Brad Treliving can't find some good role players for cheap either.

If they make a move for someone now, it gives them less money and space to work with, and committing even to a "bargain" deal is only going to backfire if they miss out on a superstar by only a couple million dollars.

The issue also lies in giving the young kids a chance. If the team consistently signs guys in the summer, where do guys like Easton Cowan go if they are repeatedly pushed down the depth chart?

At some point you need to understand that you draft these kids for the future, and if they are going to make an impact you need to give them an opportunity. We saw it in brief glimpses with Fraser Minten last season, and you're not extending their career by any means just keeping them locked down in the system.

Fans want to win now, sure. But just because the team adds a big piece doesn't mean it'll work out for them. This year is a transition period with a new-look lineup and a new blueprint for how their roster is built.

If we can all understand that there will be some growing pains without Mitch Marner, then it makes building for the future a little easier to swallow, and rushing to make a blockbuster move isn't always the solution, no matter how enticing.