After losing a star of Mitch Marner’s caliber, Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs knew there wouldn’t be an easy replacement to step in and fill the void. However, they believed they had a strong candidate in the NHL’s free agency all but locked up. That was until reports emerged suggesting the Leafs could now enter a bidding war with Nathan MacKinnon’s Colorado Avalanche.
Marner‘s departure from Toronto has several layers. It’s not only reflected on the lineup or the everyday life within the Leafs’ facility. Matthews and company know their former teammate’s absence will be felt throughout the 2025-26 NHL season. Possibly even further ahead down the road.
Regardless, the Leafs must move on. Filling the vacant job in the Top-6 of the forwards group would go a long way for Toronto. On that note, unrestricted free agent Jack Roslovic poses as an exciting candidate.
Matthews and the Maple Leafs emerged as frontrunners to the former Carolina Hurricanes forward, but MacKinnon and company might be looking to pull the rug from under them.
Jack Roslovic #96 of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on during the third period in Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center against the Washington Capitals at Lenovo Center on May 10, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“The Avalanche have some cap room to operate,” insider Chris Johnston said on his show. “It leaves them some room to get in on a player like Jack Roslovic, much like the Leafs might be knocking on that door as well.”
see also
NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly face huge obstacle in pursuit of Brad Marchand’s former teammate
What goes around…
It’s hard to keep secrets in the NHL. Whenever a team shows even the slightest interest in someone, franchises come out of the shadows to try and snatch it. Just like Colorado might rain on Toronto’s parade, the Leafs previously burst the bubble for the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins, when acquiring Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth.
“I heard there were three or four teams who were in on Matias Maccelli. Boston was one and Edmonton was another,” insider Elliotte Friedman said during the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast.
No more
Marner’s exit was undoubtedly upsetting for the locker room in Toronto. However, as recent reports indicate, it might have been for the best as the drama had extended for far too long. “I think it just became too much of a distraction,” Friedman added. “I had a player tell me: “Is this ever going to end?“
