Connor McDavid could be heading to Toronto – but that might not be the best news for Leafs fans.
The superstar center is entering his final year with the Edmonton Oilers, and TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Maple Leafs are eyeing a potential move for the 28-year-old in 2026.
But here’s the catch: Toronto’s got some serious decisions to make closer to home first.
Anthony Stolarz has been nothing short of spectacular in net. The 31-year-old goalie put up incredible numbers in his first season with the Leafs, with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage across 34 games.
His contract runs out in 2026 – right when McDavid would hit the market.
Then there’s Matias Maccelli. The promising 24-year-old winger, who came over from Utah last June, looks like he could fill the hole left by Mitch Marner’s departure to Las Vegas.
But Maccelli needs a new deal next summer.
Getting both players locked up won’t come cheap. It’ll probably take at least $10 million in cap space – money that would’ve been crucial in any push for McDavid.
For the Leafs, the math is pretty simple: take care of the talent you’ve got before chasing hockey’s biggest star.
Sure, the idea of bringing McDavid to Toronto is exciting. But sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t make.
