How Good Can the Maple Leafs Be In 2025-26?
The Toronto Maple Leafs head into the 2025-26 season with a roster that feels both stacked and unpredictable. Down the middle, they’re loaded. Auston Matthews is still the engine of this team, one of the most dominant centers in the league, and everything flows through him. Behind him, there’s a wave of depth that most teams would envy. John Tavares is still smart, strong, and capable even as he’s approaching 35. Max Domi offers further depth and playmaking in a league where these aspects are increasingly prioritized, and he can play either center or at the wing. Adding in guys like Scott Laughton, Nicolas Roy, and Calle Jarnkrok, and suddenly the Leafs have options for just about any situation. Whether it’s matching lines, killing penalties, or rolling a third scoring line, they’re covered. This is especially the case when you take note of all the prospects Toronto has in the center position. Roy, in particular, must make his mark given his involvement in the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade and one of the biggest moves in this offseason as of now.
The wings are less crowded but just as intriguing. William Nylander is a bona fide star. He can take over games when he’s on, and he’s only gotten better. Matthew Knies looks ready to take the next step, using his size and speed to create space and chances. Matias Maccelli is a smart, shifty addition. If Max Pacioretty can stay healthy, his shot still demands respect. Nicholas Robertson has had a rocky path with injuries, but there’s still that flash of pure goal scorer in him. The depth here isn’t just about names, it’s about fit. If the right combinations come together, this forward group could be one of the most dangerous in the league, although further depth certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Defensively, this is one of the most physical and deep blue lines Toronto has had in a long time. Morgan Rielly remains the heartbeat of the back end. Rielly is calm, creative, and clutch when it matters. Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo bring a bruising, reliable presence that fans have been begging for in the playoffs. Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a bit of a question mark, but could surprise if used right. Jani Hakanpää and Simon Benoit bring even more size, and Jake McCabe is one of their most dependable defenders. Henry Thrun, the newest addition to the Maple Leafs, is a younger name looking to make it in this deep roster. With younger guys like Topi Niemela and William Villeneuve looking ready to push for the NHL time neither has yet to receive, there are more than enough pieces to mix and match based on matchups and injuries.
Then there’s the goaltending, which is maybe the biggest X-factor. Joseph Woll has shown flashes of being “the guy”, but health has been the issue. If he can stay in the crease, there’s a real chance he becomes Toronto's long-term solution. Anthony Stolarz gives them a veteran fallback. Behind them, prospects like Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov are waiting in the wings with a lot of upside. In the end, this Leafs team has everything it needs to go deep. They have depth, experience, size, and finally, some edge. With this comes pressure. No more talk about next year and no more excuses. If they stay healthy and get the goaltending they need, this could finally be the season where they break through the ceiling that’s haunted them for years.
