The NHL offseason hasn’t started yet, but the drama is already heating up — especially for the Boston Bruins’ division rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Reports are saying that star winger Mitch Marner is going to play for a new team next season. According to NHL insider Andy Strickland, “He’s going to play for a new team next season.” That alone sends shockwaves through the league.
Marner’s departure from Toronto would not only reshape the Maple Leafs’ roster but also open the door for one of the most surprising twists in recent memory: a possible reunion between Toronto and Brad Marchand, the longtime Boston Bruins captain.
Why Toronto Would Let Go of Mitch Marner?
Marner has been the heart and soul of the Maple Leafs for years, but things are reaching a breaking point. His contract demands — reportedly in the $12 million to $14 million AAV range — are becoming harder to justify under Toronto’s current cap structure.
Let him go, and they’ll free up a lot of cap space and can pivot to other options, including a big veteran move that could change the narrative for a team that’s desperate to break their playoff curse.
If Marner goes west — as many think he will — Toronto will need a top line replacement fast.
Elliotte Friedman Hints at Marchand’s Role
On 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman added fuel to the fire:
“If Marner goes, they’ll need to fill that spot — don’t be surprised if they go after Marchand hard.”
That’s more than just speculation — it’s a sign of how the Maple Leafs are approaching this offseason.
Marchand, who just helped the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final, has proven he still has plenty left in the tank. At 36, he’s not fading — and now with the Bruins unlikely to match any offer above $8 million AAV, Toronto might be the perfect landing spot.
Could Marchand Wear a Maple Leafs Jersey?
It sounds crazy — and that’s exactly what makes it so good.
Once a hated rival and fan target in Toronto, Marchand has earned a new level of respect after years of playoff success and competitiveness. Signing him wouldn’t just be about filling a scoring void — it would be about bringing in a winner. He’s got leadership, physicality, and can perform in big moments. The Leafs have been missing all three when it counts.
And fans may not want to see their former enemy in the blue and white but many are coming around — if it means they finally get over the hump.
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