Insider Exposes Brad Treliving's Master Plan for the Toronto Maple Leafs Next Summer

When it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs, there is no doubt that the team could benefit from having another superstar alongside someone like Auston Matthews.

With Mitch Marner gone, general manager Brad Treliving has been trying to find that player this summer. Unfortunately, that player simply isn't available right now.

Instead, the Maple Leafs are in a rough spot. A trade is their only method of obtaining a top-six player right now, and they don't even have any assets to spend.

Luckily, 2026 is going to be a stacked year for free agency. In a new piece from Nick Alberga of The Leafs Nation, it was suggested that the Maple Leafs will actually be waiting for next summer before taking a big "swing."

Alex Tuch, Martin Necas, Adrian Kempe, and more will be on the market. These are all players that would fit in nicely with the Leafs, and there is a sense that the Leafs could afford their services.

Of course, most fans have their eyes on Connor McDavid, although at this time, Alberga does not see them as realistic. It would be a pipe dream for McDavid to ever choose the Leafs.

The Maple Leafs are expected to have $24 million in cap space next summer, which is more than enough for them to make some serious moves.

Overall, it is going to be interesting to see what the Maple Leafs are able to chef up next summer. Of course, a lot will depend on how they do throughout the season.

If the Leafs go on a deep playoff run, then perhaps they chill out on taking big swings.

But if this is the down year that fans were expecting, then a big move next summer is likelier than not.