The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the 2025-26 season with a significantly different roster compared to previous years. Several changes have occurred through free agency and trades, reshaping the team's composition.

One notable change is the departure of Mitch Marner, who was involved in a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. In return, the Maple Leafs acquired Nicolas Roy. Additionally, the team traded for Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth, giving up a conditional 2027 third-round pick.

General Manager Brad Treliving was proactive before free agency opened, securing multi-year extensions with John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Steven Lorentz. While Treliving wasn't very active during the free agency period, he did add depth by signing Vinni Lettieri, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Travis Boyd, and Michael Pezzetta. While these players may compete for roster spots in training camp, they are likely to play for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL.

The Maple Leafs did not present Pontus Holmberg with a qualifying offer, leading him to sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning as an unrestricted free agent.

Here's a projection of the Maple Leafs' roster for the 2025-26 season, keeping in mind that further changes are possible:

Forwards:

• Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Matias Maccelli
• Max Domi/Nick Robertson - John Tavares - William Nylander
• Bobby McMann - Nicolas Roy - Max Domi/Nick Robertson
• Steven Lorentz - Scott Laughton - Calle Jarnkrok/David Kampf

Extras: David Kampf/Calle Jarnkrok, Michael Pezzetta

Defense:

• Morgan Rielly - Brandon Carlo
• Jake McCabe - Chris Tanev
• Simon Benoit - Philippe Myers

Goaltending:

• Joseph Woll
• Anthony Stolarz

With Marner's departure, the Maple Leafs will be entering a "post-Marner era". This creates an opportunity for players like Easton Cowan to step up. The team may also look to the free agency market to fill the void. Treliving has expressed interest in acquiring a top-six forward and could also benefit from adding a depth defenseman.

Several questions remain for the Maple Leafs as they approach the 2025-26 season. The team may look to trade players like David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok to shake up the bottom six. There's also the question of whether Cowan is ready to earn a spot in the NHL lineup.

Despite the changes, the Maple Leafs still have a strong core with stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, along with solid goaltending. Matthew Knies is also emerging as a power forward. However, some observers feel the team lacks leadership, consistent secondary scoring, playmaking, and speed.