Two Big-Name Forwards Could Be Available Next Summer for the Maple Leafs

Although free agency isn't until July, two names have already emerged as players who could be exciting adds for the Leafs in Panarin and Necas, and two players they could engage with.

Reportedly, the two are far in talks with their respective teams, Panarin with the New York Rangers and Necas with the Colorado Avalanche.

Both are wingers, needs for the Leafs to address in free agency, but Necas in particular is of interest for his ability to play at right wing, making him the Mitch Marner replacement Toronto had been looking for.

The 2026 offseason could prove to be major for the Leafs, and key to their future success if they can swoop in for a big name on the free agent market.

Artemi Panarin and Martin Necas could be two major options in free agency for 2026, and could be a major addition for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Panarin, who has been one of the top offensive producers of his era with 871 points in 754 games played, but at 34 is still looking for a Stanley Cup ring to cap off a potential Hall of Fame career.

Necas is someone who has faced questions regarding his future in Colorado, having been traded to the Avalanche from Carolina in the deal for Mikko Rantanen, but is reportedly unhappy in Colorado and once again may be on the trade block, and on the way to free agency.

The 26-year-old had 27 goals and 84 points in 79 games between Carolina and Colorado, a career high for the former 12th overall pick. If both players are there on July 1st, they could be a very promising option for the Leafs.

Offensively, these two forwards would be immense help for the Toronto Maple Leafs and fit what the team is looking for, but it depends on if they have the cap space to make it work.

AFP Analytics currently projects Necas to potentially net just under $10M on his next contract. For Toronto, a major cap increase to the $100M+ mark will be helpful in this regard, as well as a friendly extension window in which their major business to take care of is RFA Matias Maccelli.

Toronto has already gotten most of their work taken care of with the signing of Anthony Stolarz being their big area of need for this season, and allows them to not have to worry about contracts in what is hoping to be a strong free agent class.

Panarin was previously projected to make around $10M, but perhaps the recent signing of Kaprizov moves him slightly to $10.5-11M? Panarin will be 34 at the end of the season, but he should still be able to be someone who can net a double digit contract on a short-term deal.

Both are players who benefit the Leafs being able to play on the wing. Panarin has a higher upside and comes at less of a risk, but Necas is more natural at right wing, and has the versatility to play center.

The class is already losing some of its allure with the quick re-signings of Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, two headliners of the group, and the retirement of Anze Kopitar. There are still marquee talents, including Panarin and Necas.