Maple Leafs Urged to Make Blockbuster Trade Now and Jumpstart 2026 Free Agency Frenzy
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
With the 2026 free agency class expected to be a blockbuster group, the Maple Leafs could pursue three big names who would transform their top-six but one stands out, according to analyst Nick Alberga.
Although you'd look at next year's free agency class and think "How in the world is this possible?", it's a simple case of time, money, and career aspirations.
We see the potential of Connor McDavid, Kiril Kaprizov, Nikita Kucherov, Jack Eichel and Cale Makar among others finding new homes next summer, and until we see extensions signed; we can certainly speculate.
Toronto needs to trade for Tuch ahead of 2026 free agency
But even though there are several elite talents, there are also some very, very good targets that would end up bolstering any lineup, and one team who could use one is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Wanting to add a much needed punch to their offense, they would love to do so this year, but with a lack of true assets that's going to be difficult. However, the team might be able to not only acquire a top forward; but kickstart free agency early.
How so? Well, in Nick Alberga's article looking ahead to next summer, he mentioned Toronto could target several options to add that star to their lineup, but one sticks out above the rest: Alex Tuch.
Although he didn't go too in depth regarding the Sabres forward, him mentioning Tuch brings up a very good idea.
Why not trade for Tuch now?
An Alex Tuch trade would create domino effect throughout NHL
Not only would that solidify Toronto's top-six and give them a ridiculously strong and talented power forward to play alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, but also potentially start a domino effect league-wide.
For example, if Nikita Kucherov doesn't want to re-sign with Tampa Bay, they could look at a Tuch deal and say 'Hey, we saw what Toronto gave up for Tuch; imagine what we could get for Kucherov?'
That alone could make teams think twice about committing long term, and may bring in some astronomically big trade packages for departing superstars.
But looking at the now, Tuch makes perfect sense for the Maple Leafs.
He's 6'4, 220 pounds, is coming off a 67-point season with the lowly Sabres (36 goals, 31 assists), loves to block shots and throw hits, is elite defensively and still only 29.
Plus, Toronto is able to have the cap space necessary to re-sign him long term and to have Matthews, Knies, Tuch, Nylander, Tavares, Roy, and Maccelli all together and potentially under long-term deals?
That sounds like a winning combination to me.
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