As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly considering a significant trade with the Detroit Red Wings to address the void left by Mitch Marner's departure.
The proposed deal centers around acquiring Alex DeBrincat from Detroit. DeBrincat, a proven offensive talent, could potentially fill the top-line winger role vacated by Marner. Last season, he tallied 39 goals and 31 assists for 70 points. However, the cost of acquiring DeBrincat is substantial.
One rumored iteration of the trade involves the Leafs offering a package including top prospect Easton Cowan, defenseman Morgan Rielly, forward Bobby McMann, and a first-round pick in exchange for DeBrincat and a third-round pick. Many observers believe this is an overpayment.
Losing Rielly would create a significant hole on Toronto's blue line. Rielly is considered Toronto's best defenseman and plays heavy minutes in all situations. Cowan is one of the organization's most promising young players, and giving up a future first-round pick further increases the cost. While McMann is a valuable player, the overall price tag may simply be too high.
Other potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs include Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell from the Pittsburgh Penguins, as well as Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres. The Penguins are potentially looking to rebuild and may be willing to part with Rust or Rakell. Both Rust and Rakell are coming off career-best seasons and have reasonable cap hits. Tuch, brings a physical presence and offensive capabilities.
The Red Wings may be willing to trade DeBrincat. Detroit has a number of prospects who are expected to make the jump to the NHL this season, including Carter Mazur and Nate Danielson. The Red Wings have also signed veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic to a one-year contract. Other Detroit trade assets include Jonatan Berggren and Andrew Copp.
The Maple Leafs have approximately $1.9 million in available cap space. Moving players like Max Domi or David Kampf could free up additional cap space. Toronto's current roster includes 14 contracted forwards. Auston Matthews and William Nylander account for a significant portion of the team's cap. The team's bottom-six forwards are considered cost-effective. The Leafs have a projected cap hit of approximately $69.79 million, leaving them with about $25.71 million in projected cap space.
Ultimately, whether or not the Maple Leafs and Red Wings complete a mega-deal for DeBrincat remains to be seen.
