Maple Leafs Positioned for Bold Move as Star's Future Remains Unclear
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According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, it seems like Kyle Connor and the Wiinpeg Jets are far from an extension, so could the Maple Leafs swoop in and sign him?
While the Toronto Maple Leafs still search for their top-six star, it seems that the options are there but the lack of assets means that a deal in unlikely to get done unless the team breaks the bank.
However they could wait patiently for Summer 2026 as they are looking at a list of free agents the likes the NHL has never seen before, with several names able to come in and make a difference.
What the Latest Kyle Connor Contract Update Means for 2026 Free Agency
One player who might be one of those free agents is Winnipeg's Kyle Connor, who has blossomed into a superstar since being drafted 17th overall in 2015. No doubt expected to have a ton of suitors, the Jets would love to do everything in their power to keep him around.
But according to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, that's not necessarily going to be the easiest thing.
Appearing for Bleacher Report, Seravalli explained the impasse between Connor and the Jets and that the star forward is weighing his options before making any commitment:
I don't think they've had much by way of extension talks, my understanding is that the Connor camp is not in very much of a rush to get something done, and that they want to evaluate their options.
It makes sense for Connor to wait and see what he could get considering a rising cap and another standout season could have him in line for a huge payday. While I am sure there have been some preliminary talks; it's been radio silence.
Why This Situation Could Set Up the Maple Leafs for a Major 2026 Free Agent Splash
Which means the Maple Leafs have an opportunity to do something this season at the deadline, or end up cashing in July 1.
If the team is in the thick of a playoff race and doesn't yet have that top-six option, they may be able to swing a blockbuster for Connor at the deadline, give them the offensive powerhouse they need, and hope that carries them through the postseason.
It's going to cost a lot, and the team may not have the assets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff wants, but if they wait things out it could benefit them greatly.
Connor has 582 points in 613 games (284 goals, 298 assists) and is coming off a blistering 41-goal, 97-point season in 2024-25.
If Connor elects to choose free agency, he will be one of the most expensive players but compared to potential names like Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov, he'll make a bit less.
With the Maple Leafs having $24-million plus next summer, they have more than enough room to sign Connor while also keeping their core around; the defense is locked up and the only real concerns are Matias Maccelli and Anthony Stolarz.
Beyond that the team has money to play with and should look to go beyond the household superstars and bring Connor in for big money; seven-years, $69-million should suffice ($9.85-million AAV) which is $2.5-million more than he currently makes.
That makes a huge splash and solidifies Toronto as one of the favorites to win the Atlantic, and would be the perfect replacement for Mitch Marner; especially come playoff time (49 points in 58 games).
So it might need to wait until next summer, but the Maple Leafs have the chance to do some serious damage. Let's just hope that Connor's options include them going forward.
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