2026 Season Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs
One of the busiest teams this summer, the Leafs are looking to leave last season in the past and have a bounce back year for the ages.
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a nightmare of a season in that everything that could have gone wrong just about did. They dealt with significant injuries—namely to Auston Matthews—they struggled to keep the puck out of their net, their defense was a disaster, and their roster construction essentially imploded as they could not get goals from anyone. But after a busy offseason, the question is, did they do enough to right the ship?
2025-26 Outcome
Regular Season Results: 32-36-14
A total of 78 points and eighth in the Atlantic Division was not at all how the Maple Leafs planned for the season to go. It turns out Mitch Marner was an even bigger loss than expected, considering that the team seemed to fall apart in his absence. Nonetheless, the hope in Toronto is that last season was a fluke and that this group gets back on track this year. And judging by their offseason business, there is a chance of turning that into reality.
Who’s In and Who’s Out
Lots to unpack here. For starters, I am a big fan of some of the role players the Leafs brought in. I was big on Nick Paul long before he was dealt to Tampa and really elevated his game in a Lightning jersey. Teddy Blueger is a player I’ve wanted the Rangers to get for several years now. Colton Sissons is a great bottom-six forward who can play any position. Brandon Duhaime is that ideal gritty winger who can provide some secondary scoring as much as he can a big hit or defensive play. Now putting all four of those guys on the same team is going to be interesting. Additionally, they brought on one-time-Ranger Jack Roslovic. He’s not going to replace the Marner-sized hole in their top six, but he’s a guy that plays the game with speed and can score some goals. If he can click with Auston Matthews, that will be huge.
On the other side of the game, Darren Raddysh is—on paper—exactly what the Leafs needed: an offensive minded, right-shot defenseman who can quarterback a power play and help generate offense. Emil Andrae is an interesting get as a younger player with upside who can make their blue ine faster and stronger in the puck moving area. Sergei Bobrovskiy immediately becomes one of the better goalies they’ve had in recent history, but age is creeping up on him.
In direct comparison to who the Leafs gave up this offseason, you have to think they got much better. The question becomes, was it enough to get them back in the playoff conversation?
