To bolster their roster, the Toronto Maple Leafs may need to trade players due to limited salary cap space. Veteran winger Max Domi is considered a potential trade candidate after a modest performance last season, where he recorded 33 points in 74 games. His current contract, which has three years remaining at $3.75 million per year, could be a hurdle for any acquiring team.

General Manager Brad Treliving aims to add another top-six forward and has acknowledged the challenges in the current market. The Leafs' recent sign-and-trade involving Mitch Marner has left them with just under $5 million in cap space, complicating their efforts to upgrade the lineup. Domi's offensive skills might still attract teams looking for experienced depth, but his inconsistency as a bottom-six player raises questions about his fit in Toronto's long-term plans.

With Mitch Marner's recent move to Vegas, Easton Cowan, a rising star in the Toronto Maple Leafs' system, is seizing the opportunity to carve out his role on the NHL roster. The 20-year-old prospect, who recently celebrated success winning back-to-back Memorial Cups with the London Knights, acknowledges the importance of Marner as a mentor but is now focusing on his own development.

Cowan believes he can step up in Marner's absence and is committed to showcasing his skills during the next few months before the season begins. Despite a slight dip in his scoring from last season, Cowan's performance in the playoffs is promising, and he aims to leverage this momentum to secure a spot in Toronto.

The NHL offseason has seen significant movement among teams as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. The Florida Panthers stand out as the most successful organization, retaining key free agents at advantageous rates, positioning themselves for a potential three-peat. The Vegas Golden Knights made headlines with the acquisition of Mitch Marner, enhancing their offensive firepower alongside Jack Eichel. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes have made shrewd additions, including the signing of Nikolaj Ehlers, aiming to challenge the Panthers in the East.

Several teams, like the Los Angeles Kings, took a step back, struggling to maintain their competitive edge. The Toronto Maple Leafs face challenges in replacing Marner, yet still have a solid core and new talent. The offseason has reshaped the league, with trends emerging that could influence fantasy drafts and betting strategies as the new season approaches.

Kelly McCrimmon, the general manager of the Vegas Golden Knights, has officially quashed trade rumors surrounding key players William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl. Following the signing of star forward Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs, speculation arose regarding potential trades to manage salary cap space. McCrimmon took the proactive step of contacting both players to assure them of their security within the team.

Hertl, who tallied 32 goals and 61 points last season, was linked to a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. However, both he and Karlsson were informed directly by McCrimmon that they are not on the trading block. Karlsson, who struggled with injuries last season, was also a subject of trade rumors but will remain with the Golden Knights as they seek to build a competitive roster in the upcoming season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a strong bid to recruit Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks during the free agency period, offering him a more lucrative annual salary than the $7.25 million he ultimately settled for with Vancouver. However, Boeser opted for a seven-year contract with the Canucks, valuing long-term security and familiarity over the opportunity to play alongside star players like Auston Matthews in Toronto.

Insider Nick Kypreos revealed that the Leafs shifted their focus to Boeser after missing out on other targets, including Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers. Despite interest from Toronto, Boeser ultimately chose to remain with the Canucks, citing unexpected offers and a late contract extension as pivotal in his decision-making process.