Insider Claims Maple Leafs Eye $68 Million Center to Fill Marner Void
Toronto, ON – June 16, 2025 – As the Toronto Maple Leafs brace for life after Mitch Marner, rumors are swirling around a blockbuster trade involving a $68 million center. According to NHL insider Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the Leafs have expressed interest in acquiring Mika Zibanejad from the New York Rangers—an eight‑year, $68 million deal that could reshape Toronto’s lineup .
Why Zibanejad Makes Sense for Toronto
With Marner likely headed to free agency and aging core forwards like John Tavares potentially nearing exits, Toronto’s need for a middle‑six center is glaring. Zibanejad—a 32‑year‑old Swede with size (6’2″, 200+ lbs), durability, and a history of 20‑goal NHL scoring—fits the profile of a reliable second‑line pivot .
Over the past seasons, he tallied 62 points last year (20 G, 42 A) and previously hit the 72‑point mark two seasons ago . If Toronto believes in a bounce‑back campaign, he offers valuable offensive upside.
The Mechanics of the Deal
Speculation suggests a direct swap: the Leafs would trade away winger Max Domi to the Rangers in exchange for Zibanejad . Domi, on a four‑year, $15 million contract, posted 33 points last season (8 G, 25 A), and his move could ease Toronto’s bottom‑six strain.
However, the deal hinges on Zibanejad agreeing to waive his full no‑move clause—a big ask given his stability in New York . For the Rangers, trading Zibanejad would free about $5 million in cap space and offload a hefty contract while retaining high‑end talent in Miller and Trocheck .
Fit with Toronto’s DNA Shake-Up
Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been clear: the team needs a new blend of mental toughness and roster composition. With the Leafs’ full “Core Four” facing uncertainty, adding Zibanejad could signal a commitment to experience and structure over flashes .
Treliving commented post-playoffs: “There’s some DNA that has to change… If you keep getting the same result… that’s on me going forward” . Zibanejad’s consistent two‑way play may align with that direction.
Risks and Challenges Ahead
Fit and leadership: Zibanejad’s style differs from agitators like Kadri or Schenn. While he brings hockey IQ and size, some question whether he’ll inject the desired grit. Jonas Siegel of The Athletic believes his high-end skill and age‑32 profile offer **“upside … a lesser commitment than a UFA like Bennett”** .
Waiver requirement: Zibanejad must agree to waive his no-move clause. With no public indication of discontent, securing that waiver could be difficult .
Cap considerations: Toronto reportedly has around $25 million in upcoming cap space—enough to absorb the swap—but must balance long-term extensions with roster depth .
What’s Next
Negotiations—if they’ve begun—will likely stretch through summer. Zibanejad recently spoke positively about Rangers coach Mike Sullivan, but offered no hint on his trade preferences . Meanwhile, Toronto continues to gauge the trade and free-agent market as they prepare for a post-Marner roster.
A successful deal would deliver a veteran middle-six pivot capable of leading in the playoffs, but hinges on two key factors: Zibanejad’s willingness to move and Toronto’s belief in his fit. Stay tuned—this is one of the season’s most compelling trade sagas.
