The Toronto Maple Leafs can act as if nothing has happened, but everybody knows. The organization will feel the effects of Mitch Marner’s exit throughout the 2025–26 NHL season, whether it likes it or not. Toronto might have learned a lesson or two, and it’s hoping to put them to good use with Auston Matthews‘ teammate.
When the puck drops in October, it might take a while for fans to accommodate to the Leafs‘ new picture as reality kicks in. Marner will no longer be on Matthews’ wing, leaving a big void on Toronto’s top line. The ending to the Marner saga might be for the best. Now, both parties can start fresh.
That’s not to say Marner won’t be missed at times in The Six. Despite a turbulent ending, the 28-year-old was one of Leafs Nation’s own. The saying proved true: no one is a messiah in their own land. It’s been quite a turnaround for Marner. Once deemed the messiah and franchise savior, he’s now off to Sin City with an indelible grin on his face.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have much pending business to take care of as soon as possible. Matthews and company would love to welcome more star power to the locker room, but that’s a tall order, even for a franchise with as much pull as Toronto.
Calle Jarnkrok #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Winnipeg Jets during the second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Time to make a move
The free agency class is not particularly abundant in NHL household names. Plus, the recent chaotic chapters in Hogtown might steer the safest options elsewhere. On that note, the Leafs are reportedly intending to part ways with veteran Calle Jarnkrok, but they won’t make the same mistakes they committed with Marner. This time around, Matthews and the rest of the team might not have to stand in the middle of a heated tug-of-war.
see also
NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly wary of overcompensating after Mitch Marner’s exit
“The Leafs had a discussion with Calle Jarnkrok,” insider David Pagnotta said on the Sekeres & Price Show. “I don’t think he’s asked for a trade, but I don’t think he would object to one given the circumstances.”
No-trade clause
Jarnkrok is entering the final NHL season of the four-year, $8.4M deal he signed with Toronto back in 2022. Moving on from the 33-year-old forward could further clear cap space for the Leafs. Doing so would broaden the scope for Toronto, especially if it’s serious about acquiring another star.
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Still, that expanded range of possibilities is simultaneously hindered by Järnkrok’s modified no-trade clause in his contract. The veteran handed the Leafs a 10-team no-trade list. If Toronto were to do business with one of those ten teams, Jarnkrok would have to waive the clause. That seems far-fetched, as reports state the forward isn’t exactly thrilled about parting ways with Matthews and company.
