Auston Matthews enters a pivotal season in Toronto, tasked with carrying more of the scoring load after Mitch Marner’s blockbuster move to Vegas signaled a new Leafs era. Nicolas Roy returns to the lineup, giving Toronto added depth as Matthews pursues Mats Sundin’s all‑time Leafs goal mark in a season that starts Oct. 8 against Montreal. The club leans on leadership and a refreshed supporting cast, with John Tavares and Max Domi among those stepping into mentorship and on-ice roles during a transitional year.

Toronto’s nine straight playoff appearances remain the backdrop, but the on-ice chemistry will be under a microscope as players adapt to a different top six and new line combos. Brampton’s charity game highlighted a culture of accountability and community, underscoring how this Leafs group blends veteran guidance with youthful opportunity as fantasy managers scan for breakout values in a season ripe with change.

In short, Matthews’ goal pace, the quiet addition of Roy, and the reshuffled depth chart could redefine who benefits in fantasy leagues, especially in multi-category formats where two-way play and PP1 time carry extra weight. The Oct. 8 opener against Montreal doubles as a test of how Toronto’s new pieces gel with its marquee captain.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face the challenge of replacing Mitch Marner, a vital two-way player, after his departure. The organization has taken an analytical approach to this transition, opting to distribute Marner's $10.9 million cap hit among multiple players. They've secured Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy, and Michael Pezzetta, totaling $10.5 million in combined salaries. Each brings unique skills to the roster, ensuring a blend of grit and finesse.

Despite Marner's absence, expectations remain high for the Maple Leafs. The new signings aim to maintain the team's competitiveness, emphasizing that depth can compensate for the loss of star talent. While none of the newcomers are expected to replicate Marner's impact individually, the hope is that collectively they will help the team achieve success in the upcoming season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face criticism for their recent sign-and-trade involving star winger Mitch Marner, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights just before free agency. Marner's deal included an eight-year, $96 million extension upon his arrival in Vegas, raising questions about the Maple Leafs' front office decision-making. Analyst Bryan Hayes labeled the transaction as "significant malpractice," questioning the awareness of the management regarding Marner's intentions to leave.

Marner's departure follows a record of 741 points in 657 games but a lack of playoff success, failing to help Toronto progress beyond the second round in nine playoff appearances. Hayes suggested that the Leafs should have traded Marner last summer, prior to the activation of his no-move clause, to secure a more favorable return than the single player, Nicolas Roy, they received from the Knights.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Vinni Lettieri to a one-year, $775,000 contract as they continue to bolster their roster. The 30-year-old has experience, having played 155 games in the NHL and recorded 32 points. He spent last season with the Boston Bruins and their AHL affiliate, showcasing his scoring ability with 50 points in 50 games.

In addition to Lettieri, the Leafs made significant changes this offseason, including trading star winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights after he declined an extension. This move underscores the team’s need for offensive depth following the departure of a player who contributed 102 points last season. The Leafs secured center Nicolas Roy in the trade to help maintain their competitive edge.

Mitch Marner is officially heading to the Vegas Golden Knights after a strategic trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs that took place during the NHL draft. The deal involved sending forward Nicolas Roy to Toronto in exchange for Marner, who signed an eight-year contract worth $96 million. This quick move by GM Kelly McCrimmon aimed to bypass the uncertainty of free agency and secure the maximum contract length, reducing the annual average value from about $13.7 million to $12 million. McCrimmon highlighted the deal's urgency, emphasizing the need to control Marner's situation as he was a highly sought-after player.

The trade follows previous interest from Vegas during the March trade deadline, which was complicated by personal circumstances for Marner. The swift resolution of this deal exemplifies how teams are increasingly willing to act decisively in the off-season to secure key players, especially in a landscape where multiple teams may vie for the same star.