Following Mitch Marner’s trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been left with a significant gap in their offense. Auston Matthews remains the engine of the team, but the departure of the elite-caliber right wing left a void that the new additions haven’t yet managed to fill.
The arrivals of Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Nicolas Roy don’t seem to have fully met expectations. Meanwhile, Toronto’s front office is searching for a proven player who can bring offensive balance and experience in key moments.
With Matthews under contract through at least 2028, the team not only needs long-term youth potential, but Toronto also has to surround him with talent that can build off his production and help fill the top‑six hole left by Marner. In that sense, a veteran face is now seen as a key target for the Maple Leafs.
Who could end up in Toronto?
According to a recent report from Heavy.com, one possible replacement for Marner is Steven Stamkos. The current Nashville Predators forward and former Tampa Bay Lightning star is seen as an ideal candidate to join the Maple Leafs’ top lines.
Steve Stamkos of the Predators
Despite being 35 years old and nearing the end of his career, Stamkos could provide leadership, experience, and production on the power play. Last season, he recorded 27 goals and 26 assists in 2024‑25 with Nashville, an impressive offensive output for a franchise hungry for firepower.
see also
NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly target Sidney Crosby’s teammates as trade talks with Penguins intensify
A tough trade to pull off
There are several factors that make Stamkos’ arrival in Toronto difficult to pull off. The 35-year-old forward signed a three-year extension worth $8 million per year with the Predators. On top of that, he holds a full no-movement clause and has complete veto power over any deal involving him. All of these are difficult conditions for the Leafs and general manager Brad Treliving to navigate.
