The Toronto Maple Leafs face the challenge of replacing Mitch Marner, who is expected to become a free agent. The team led by star Auston Matthews may already have a potential successor lined up for the 2025–26 NHL season.
Marner is in the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract with the Maple Leafs, signed in September 2019. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $10.9 million, is set to expire on July 1, 2025. At this point, there is little chance the two sides will reach a new agreement.
Toronto is in the midst of a major rebuild after being eliminated by the Florida Panthers in a seven-game second-round playoff series. As part of the expected wave of changes, it appears that Marner is no longer in the Matthews’ team’s plans and could be replaced.
Who could replace Marner?
According to Editor in Leaf, Marner’s natural replacement could be young prospect Easton Cowan, especially if the veteran winger does end up leaving the franchise, as now seems likely. Cowan is a promising talent within the Canadian organization and is projected to become a future star.
Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on following a 5-1 loss against the St. Louis Blues at Scotiabank Arena on October 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Both Cowan and Marner have followed similar early career paths. The two players stood out with the London Knights in the OHL. There, Cowan was named MVP of both the regular season and the playoffs, mirroring Marner’s accomplishments during his junior days.
see also
NHL News: Mitch Marner set to leave Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs as a new team prepares a move
Similar profiles
The two players share several key traits: both are right-handed wingers known for their creativity, defensive responsibility, and vision on the ice. These similarities suggest Cowan could be a strong fit alongside Auston Matthews on the Maple Leafs’ top line.
