The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a decisive rebuilding phase after Mitch Marner’s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade that secured him an eight-year, $96 million contract. While Auston Matthews continues to lead the team’s offense, management now has renewed salary cap flexibility to make strong moves.
Not all of the Leafs’ offseason was about trades and departures, as John Tavares signed a four-year extension averaging $4.38 million, while Matthew Knies signed a six-year deal worth $7.75 million annually, a move that strengthens the team’s physical and offensive identity around Matthews.
Despite these agreements, the roster still faces challenges. The lack of star additions leaves a lingering sense that there’s no true replacement for Marner’s caliber. Questions about the future of players like Nicholas Robertson and Morgan Rielly raise the possibility of a marquee reinforcement coming soon.
Who could strengthen Toronto’s forward group?
In recent hours, the name Jack Roslovic has gained traction as a possible addition for the Maple Leafs. The free-agent forward, who was a former teammate of Matthews in the U.S. Development Program, could reinforce Toronto’s second line. This increase in likelihood comes after failed negotiations.
Jack Roslovic #96 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts as he is named “second star” following their 4-0 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center at Lenovo Center on May 10, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Roslovic won’t be heading to the Canucks
According to NHL insider Thomas Drance of The Athletic, the Leafs would have the upper hand in pursuing him since talks between the Vancouver Canucks and Roslovic have collapsed. This scenario opens the door for Toronto to make a move.
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“At this point, from what I can gather from senior club sources informed about the organization’s thinking on the matter, the Canucks have cooled significantly on the prospect of adding Roslovic as an unrestricted free agent at this point,” Drance noted.
