NHL Insider Suggests Toronto Maple Leafs Could Go After Connor McDavid in 2026
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NHL Insider Chris Johnston revealed how the Toronto Maple Leafs could set themselves up for a run at Connor McDavid during 2026 free agency.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are very likely parting ways with Mitch Marner this summer. This means the team needs to find a replacement, and they have to do it fast.
Unfortunately, there are no big-name free agents on the market this Summer. Sure, there are some fine players available, but none of them will get you 100 points.
However, free agency in 2026 is set to be exceptional. Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov are going to be on the market if their respective teams don't sign them. Furthermore, Connor McDavid might just be available as well.
Can the Toronto Maple Leafs sign Connor McDavid?
McDavid loved the Maple Leafs when he was a kid, and he is the type of star who would pair exceptionally well with Auston Matthews.
As Chris Johnston explains, if the Leafs are smart with their money, they could be in a position to sign McDavid next Summer. While it's unlikely, it isn't impossible.
"To me, the best bets would don't tie up that money immediately in something long-term and be well positioned, because we're about to enter what could be the most interesting era of player transfers in the next year or two or three. So, if you're the Leafs, I think you need to try to be nimble. I think you want to be smart short-term with what you do with that cap space, because there could be some opportunities there (in 2026 and 2027)."
Of course, a lot would have to happen for this to ever be possible. For instance, the Edmonton Oilers would have to regress and show no signs of winning a Stanley Cup.
Furthermore, the Leafs would need upwards of $16-18 million of cap space to even think of being able to afford a superstar like McDavid.
With the salary cap going up, anything is possible. Having said that, Leafs fans should not bet on it.
McDavid is a pipe dream, and a lot of fans are just hopeful that the Leafs improve this summer. Because right now, they are on track to get worse.
| POLL | ||
MAI 22 | 1136 ANSWERS NHL Insider Suggests Toronto Maple Leafs Could Go After Connor McDavid in 2026 Do you believe Connor McDavid would ever sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 503 | 44.3 % |
| NO | 633 | 55.7 % |
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