2025-26
Record: 32-36-14, 78 points, 8th in Atlantic Division
Playoffs: Missed Stanley Cup Playoffs
Key Losses
GM – Brad Treliving (Fired), Head Coach – Craig Berube (Fired), G – Joseph Woll (Trade w/ PHI), D – Simon Benoit (Trade w/ PHI), D – Brandon Carlo (Trade w/ STL), F – Nick Robertson (Trade w/ PIT), F – Matias Maccelli (NYI), G – Dennis Hildeby (Trade w/ TB)
Key Additions
GM – John Chayka (Hired), Senior Executive Advisor Hockey Ops – Mats Sundin (Hired), D – Emil Andrae (Trade w/ PHI), Head Coach – Jim Hiller (Hired) – D – Darren Raddysh (Trade w/ TB), F – Gavin McKenna (1st Overall Draft Pick), F – Jack Roslovic (Signed via FA), G – Sergei Bobrovsky (Signed via FA), F – Colton Sissons (Signed via FA), F – Teddy Blueger (Signed via FA), F – Brandon Duhaime (Signed via FA), F – Nick Paul (Trade w/ TB)
2026-27 Preview
Is John Chayka the Answer?
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the organization decided that it was time for a change, parting ways with both general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube. Replacing them are John Chayka as general manager and Jim Hiller as head coach, two hires that have generated plenty of questions and skepticism around the league.
Chayka’s return to the NHL is particularly notable. His previous tenure as general manager of the Arizona Coyotes ended under controversial circumstances, with the organization facing league sanctions and Chayka ultimately stepping away from the NHL for several years. His hiring in Toronto puts him back in the spotlight and gives him the opportunity to rebuild his reputation while taking over one of the league’s most scrutinized franchises.
Hiller, meanwhile, has established himself as a capable coach and has proven that he can step in and stabilize a team when needed. However, taking over as the permanent head coach of the Maple Leafs presents a very different challenge. While Hiller is regarded as a strong communicator and a players’ coach, the expectations in Toronto will require more than simply maintaining a positive locker room. He’ll be tasked with getting the most out of a roster that has repeatedly struggled to deliver in the postseason.
The combination of Chayka and Hiller makes the 2026-27 season particularly intriguing for Toronto. Both will be under significant pressure to prove they are capable of leading the franchise, and the Maple Leafs have very little margin for error. After years of disappointing playoff results, the organization will be hoping this new leadership group can finally provide the change necessary to push Toronto beyond its postseason struggles.
Will Their Offseason Moves Pay Off?
For the Maple Leafs, the offseason brought several major additions, beginning with the fortunate bounce that allowed Toronto to select forward Gavin McKenna first overall in the NHL Draft. The Leafs also completed a sign-and-trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire defenseman Darren Raddysh and made a splash in goal by convincing veteran Sergei Bobrovsky to sign with the team.
Beyond those headline moves, however, general manager John Chayka focused heavily on adding depth to the bottom six. Toronto signed a number of forwards who project more as fourth-line players, while Jack Roslovic could provide some additional versatility as a potential third-line option. Interestingly, Roslovic is currently slated to open the season on the top line alongside Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews, a role that will come with significantly higher expectations.
The Raddysh signing also comes with some risk. While he is coming off a strong season and has demonstrated the ability to contribute offensively from the blue line, he has only established himself as a high-end producer for one season. Toronto is betting that his breakout was a sign of things to come, but the size of his new contract could become problematic if he is unable to consistently reproduce that level of production.
Then there is Bobrovsky. There is no questioning his résumé or ability, but at 37 years old, the question becomes how much he has left in the tank. He has signed a three-year contract and will be expected to provide stability in net, but he’ll be playing behind a Maple Leafs team that is not necessarily built around a defense-first system. That could put even more pressure on Bobrovsky to deliver at an elite level.
Toronto has certainly made some significant moves, but there are plenty of questions surrounding how all of the new pieces will fit together. With a new front office, a new head coach, a first-overall pick joining the roster, and major investments in goal and defense, the 2026-27 season could be one of the most unpredictable seasons the Maple Leafs have had in years.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Matthew Knies — Auston Matthews — Jack Roslovic
Gavin McKenna — John Tavares — William Nylander
Nick Paul — Colton Sissons — Easton Cowan
Dakota Joshua — Teddy Blueger — Brandon Duhaime
Defense
Jake McCabe — Darren Raddysh
Morgan Rielly — Chris Tanev
Oliver Ekman-Larsson — Emil Andrae
Goalies
Sergei Bobrovsky
Anthony Stolarz