NHL Free Agency: Maple Leafs' Plan B Options If Mitch Marner Leaves

Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle of The Athletic have examined the Toronto Maple Leafs’ contingency plans in the event Mitch Marner is traded this offseason, laying out several realistic paths forward for GM Brad Treliving. 

While trading Marner remains a delicate situation due to his full no-move clause, both reporters believe Toronto will be prepared to pivot quickly if the winger decides to waive it. 

“The Leafs can’t afford to enter next season with the same core intact,” Mirtle wrote, suggesting the team is open to some big moves to reshape its identity and finally make a deeper playoff run.

MITCH MARNER 🚨

Breakaway goal! pic.twitter.com/3fjMF9jVK4

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 31, 2025

Siegel and Mirtle identify multiple options that could give the Leafs a new look without Marner, starting with a potential trade return that addresses their long-standing blue line concerns. 

“They need another top-four defenseman who can play tough minutes,” Siegel explained, adding that any Marner deal would likely prioritize a right-shot defender. 

The writers also suggest the Leafs could spread Marner’s $10.9 million cap hit across several impact pieces — a top-six winger, a second-pairing defenseman, and perhaps even a depth center — rather than seeking a one-for-one star swap.

Not many people can make Cale Makar look silly.

Mitch Marner did, however. 👀🫨#LeafsForever

pic.twitter.com/IGReEcwv1D

— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) March 20, 2025

The pair also discuss the broader shift such a move would signal. Mirtle notes that trading Marner wouldn’t just be about cap flexibility, but about changing the tone and direction of the team: “This is a chance to build something with more balance, more grit, and more reliability in the playoffs.”

Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images