Who Could the Toronto Maple Leafs Target if Mitch Marner Leaves?
The Toronto Maple Leafs are eager to re-sign Mitch Marner, but if negotiations stall and he becomes a free agent, the Leafs could lose him without any return. Whether talks conclude before the season ends or come down to a frantic push before July 1, Marner’s departure would leave a significant offensive gap. If Toronto is forced to look for a replacement, they’ll need a dynamic forward capable of stepping into a top-six role.
Here are three potential free-agent targets who could fit that mold:
Nikolaj Ehlers
A natural fit for Toronto would be Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers. Like Marner, Ehlers is approaching free agency and is testing the market to gauge his value under the rising salary cap. Winnipeg wants to retain him but may not meet his demands.
Ehlers’ speed, playmaking, and scoring ability make him a strong candidate to slide into Toronto’s top six. However, one key difference is that Ehlers is a left-winger who shoots left, while Marner plays on the right and shoots right.
Currently in the final year of his seven-year, $42 million deal, Ehlers is expected to command around $8 million annually. Signing him would save the Leafs about $5 million compared to Marner’s expected contract, allowing them to potentially strengthen their right wing further. Ehlers’ consistency—21 goals and 36 assists for 57 points in 58 games—offers Toronto some offensive reliability.
Sam Bennett
Another intriguing option is Sam Bennett, who could bring a different dimension to the Leafs’ lineup. GM Brad Treliving is familiar with Bennett from their time together in Calgary, and his gritty, aggressive style—especially in the playoffs—could be exactly what Toronto needs.
Bennett is known for his physicality and ability to agitate opponents while contributing offensively. However, the Florida Panthers are keen to keep him, and negotiations have reportedly resumed. If Bennett hits free agency, he’s likely to command around $7 million per year, making him a more affordable option than Marner.
Brock Boeser
Perhaps the best positional fit is Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks. A natural right-winger, Boeser is expected to hit free agency after Vancouver’s lukewarm contract negotiations and underwhelming trade offers.
Boeser has a proven scoring touch and could slot into Toronto’s top six seamlessly. While Canucks GM Patrik Allvin’s recent comments have cast doubt on Boeser’s long-term future in Vancouver, his potential availability could make him a prime target for the Leafs.
Who Should the Leafs Pursue?
Losing Marner would be a major setback for Toronto, but the Leafs would have several strong options to explore in free agency. There’s no certainty that Ehlers, Bennett, or Boeser will hit the open market, but all three have reasons to test free agency.
With Mikko Rantanen now off the table after signing with the Dallas Stars, Toronto will need to act swiftly if Marner departs. If the Leafs lose their star forward, they’ll have the cap space to make a significant move to strengthen their roster.
