The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the 2026 offseason with significant roster questions after another disappointing season. Unlike the Chicago Blackhawks, who have a clearer picture of their core group, the Leafs face decisions on multiple veterans and restricted free agents.[1][2] General manager Brad Treliving, or potentially a new hire, must navigate cap constraints and a need for defensive stability. This summer could see more flux in Toronto than in Chicago, where youth is locked in.
Chicago’s rebuild provides stability, with several young stars confirmed to return. The Leafs, however, have players on expiring deals and others drawing trade interest. Jonas Siegel of The Athletic outlined several names who may not return, emphasizing the need for change.[1]
Chicago Blackhawks roster tiers
The Blackhawks have a defined path forward, tiering players into clear categories for the 2026-27 season. Scott Powers of The Athletic broke it down recently.[1] This stability contrasts sharply with Toronto’s uncertainty.
Players like Connor Bedard headline the “returning for sure” group. Tyler Bertuzzi, Ryan Donato, Anton Frondell, Ryan Greene, Wyatt Kaiser, Spencer Knight, Nick Lardis, Artyom Levshunov, Oliver Moore, Frank Nazar, Sam Rinzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and Alex Vlasic join him. These names form a solid foundation of youth and skill.
The “returning… we think” tier includes Louis Crevier, Ethan Del Mastro, Kevin Korchinski, Landon Slaggert, and Arvid Soderblom. These prospects have shown enough to stick around, barring surprises.
A 50-50 club features Andre Burakovsky, Andrew Mangiapane, and Ilya Mikheyev. Their futures depend on fit and market demand. Likely departures are Matt Grzelcyk and Sam Lafferty, as the Hawks prioritize cap flexibility.
Chicago’s approach signals a patient rebuild. With NHL salary cap dynamics playing a role, they avoid rash moves.[2] This sets them apart from teams like Toronto needing immediate adjustments.
Toronto Maple Leafs potential departures
The Leafs roster faces more upheaval. Siegel’s analysis highlights forwards and defensemen who could be on the move. No one is untouchable amid cap pressures and performance reviews.[1]
Max Domi carries a 12-team no-trade clause with two years left at $3.75 million. His versatility appeals to contenders seeking depth at a low cost. A market exists, though not blockbuster-sized.
Calle Jarnkrok hits free agency after a down year. He provided little value, making re-signing unlikely. Teams may pass on a reunion.
Matias Maccelli, a restricted free agent, faces a $4.1 million qualifying offer. A bridge deal at lower cap hit is possible, but coach Craig Berube’s potential return lowers his odds. The Leafs might prioritize others.
Restricted free agents in focus
Jacob Quillan, 24, is another RFA the Leafs likely won’t qualify. His entry-level deal wouldn’t strain the cap much anyway.
Nick Robertson’s situation mirrors Quillan’s. The pending RFA has struggled for consistency and is expected to depart Toronto.
These moves align with a youth push, as seen in recent roster-for-roster trade discussions on nhlinsight.com. Trading RFAs clears space without much return.
Defensive shake-up candidates
Right-handed defenseman Brandon Carlo has one year left at $3.49 million. His handedness and price make him movable to interested teams.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson turns 35 soon, with two years at $3.5 million. His 39 points last season boost trade value. The Leafs eyed moving him at the deadline.
Morgan Rielly, with four years at $7.5 million and a full no-movement clause, seems safe. New management might push, but it’s unlikely.
Troy Stecher, a pending UFA, fits the pattern of depth defenders leaving. With others contracted, he’s expendable.
For deeper dives, check nhlrumors.com on salary cap trade strategies. These changes exceed Chicago’s expected movement.
Implications for 2026-27
Toronto’s cap situation demands creativity. Moving veterans like Domi or Carlo frees space for prospects or upgrades. Unlike the Hawks’ sure returns, the Leafs must balance experience with youth.
Defensive fixes are priority. Carlo and Ekman-Larsson trades could net picks or young talent. Forwards like Robertson signal a shift away from underperformers.
Fan expectations remain high. A active offseason rebuilds contention hopes. As The Athletic details, no player is safe.
The Leafs’ summer will define their trajectory. More movement than Chicago positions them for contention, if executed well. Watch for deadline holdovers like Stecher to go first. Success hinges on smart asset accumulation.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.