The Toronto Maple Leafs are bracing for a major offseason transition as star forward Mitch Marner is expected to leave for free agency. This situation puts the franchise in a precarious position, particularly after another disappointing playoff run. With Marner's potential exit, the Maple Leafs are exploring options to fill the substantial offensive gap he would leave behind.

A strategic target for Toronto is All-Star Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers. Known for his consistent scoring ability, Zibanejad has secured at least 20 goals for eight consecutive seasons, making him a prime candidate to replace Marner's production. The Maple Leafs face a dilemma, however, as Zibanejad's contract carries a hefty $8.5 million per year over the next five seasons, complicating the financial aspect of this potential acquisition. Still, acquiring Zibanejad could be a bold step towards enhancing the team's competitiveness in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.