The Auston Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs face a pivotal offseason with growing expectations that Mitch Marner may not return for the 2024–25 campaign. As speculation around his departure intensifies, former NHL defenseman Frankie Corrado has weighed in with a strategic warning: don’t fall into the trap of chasing a direct replacement.
Appearing on TSN, Corrado urged the Maple Leafs to rethink their approach, arguing that trying to fill Marner’s 100-point void with a single high-profile signing would be misguided. Instead, he advocates for redistributing Marner’s $10.9 million salary across multiple “gritty” contributors to transform the team’s DNA.
“You’re not going to say you’re changing the DNA, and then just get a worse version of Mitch Marner for a lot of money,” Corrado said. “Spread the money out differently, bring in different pieces, and see if you can get an outcome that is more favorable to you in the moments that you really need it.”
Corrado’s blueprint: Build with grit, not stars
Corrado emphasized the importance of targeting players who can make the Maple Leafs tougher to play against in critical moments. He pointed to Brad Marchand, Andrew Mangiapane, and Tanner Jeannot as examples of players who embody the tenacity Toronto needs to pursue.
“Brad Marchand showed he can have a better influence in those big outcomes,“ Corrado said. “Then you look at certain guys that might just be workers, guys that just work like dogs, and Andrew Mangiapane is one… Can you find [money] for a guy like Tanner Jeannot? And that’s your money allocated to three guys. That’s the way you have to change the DNA — with guys that work like dogs.”
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Each of the three players mentioned could conceivably fit under Marner’s current cap hit, and all bring a competitive edge that critics often say the Leafs have lacked in recent playoff runs.
Looking ahead: A shift in philosophy
The Leafs’ postseason shortcomings have long been attributed to a lack of physical pushback and mental resilience. With a core that’s often leaned heavily on top-end talent, Corrado’s suggestion to spread the wealth represents a notable philosophical shift.
Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers during the first period in Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Should Toronto part ways with Marner, who has one year left on his deal before hitting unrestricted free agency, the organization will have an opportunity to reallocate its cap structure and redefine its identity.
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What remains clear is that simply replacing Marner with a slightly less expensive version of himself won’t be enough. For a franchise still chasing postseason success, embracing change may be their most productive move yet.
