If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to compete next year, they are going to need a creative, successful summer. The roster, as it is, clearly doesn’t have the talent or depth to become a Stanley Cup contender, meaning trades and signings are going to have to shape a new look Leafs team to start next season.
With that being said, the top names from the 2026 free agent class have almost all signed extensions. Connor McDavid won’t be coming home, and neither will Adrian Kempe. For this reason, trades are going to be crucial.
But there are still some really intriguing names set to hit the open market this July. Let’s take a look at a few names the Leafs should be in on once free agency starts this summer.
Nick Schmaltz feels like a Leaf
If the Leafs want to inject the forward group with real talent, Nick Schmaltz is the guy. The Utah forward is clearly the top forward on the market and will probably demand around $9M per year on a long-term deal. He’s only 29.
Schmaltz would be a lock in the top-six, playing with either Auston Matthews or William Nylander. He would instantly make whatever line he is on better, and would be an actual difference maker, unlike many of the forwards on the roster right now.
In the midst of a career year, Schmaltz is on pace for around 75 points. He’s already matched his career high in goals with 23, but has always been more of a playmaker. He’s paced for over 40 assists in five straight seasons.
The playmaking chops make me think Schmaltz should be signed as Matthews’ winger. The two would instantly be one of the most talented duos in the league and would give Toronto an actual top line, much better than what we’ve seen this year.
Unless someone offers Schmaltz a ridiculous contract, which very well could happen, the Leafs should be all over the forward.
Are we buying the Darren Raddysh hype?
Somehow, the best defenceman on the market looks like it’s going to be Darren Raddysh. The 29-year-old, undrafted D-man has exploded this season, with 17 goals and 52 points (!) in just 49 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Raddysh is a Toronto boy and would absolutely help the Leafs top four if signed. His point shot is unbelievable, something we haven’t seen from a Leafs blueliner in forever. He could run the top power play, as well.
But there is a ton of risk in signing Raddysh to a long-term deal. This is really his first great season, and there are plenty of cautionary tales when it comes to contract-year defencemen. Raddysh is having an incredible year, but is he really this good?
Personally, I’d stay away from him if the number goes over $7.5M. That kind of money should be reserved for the bona fide stars, and it would be a massive gamble to pay for Raddysh. He’s definitely a good player; guys don’t have years like he’s having very often, but there’s a pretty good chance he goes back to being a 30–40 point guy instead of keeping up a point-per-game pace.
There’s just too much at stake to take such a big risk.
Charlie Coyle as the 2C
The Leafs are going to need a new 2C if they want to contend. John Tavares has not looked good enough this season, and he isn’t getting any younger. So, I could see Charlie Coyle being a top target for Toronto.
Coyle is having a great bounce-back season, potting 15 goals and 42 points in 56 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He had a rough year in Boston last season, but was great after being dealt to the Colorado Avalanche at the deadline.
We’ve seen Coyle a ton as a Bruin, and he is nothing but a solid, trustworthy 2C. He can put up points, put the puck in the net, and play great defence. He may be a simple player, but he’s effective. And that’s what the Leafs need.
Yes, Coyle is going to get a raise from his current $5.25M AAV, but probably not by too much. He’s a safe bet, and Toronto should be all over the forward. There aren’t many quality centres left set to hit the market, and it’s a big-time need for the Leafs. He’d fit perfectly.
