The Toronto Maple Leafs are all set to begin the 2025-26 regular season against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night. The club will feature new-look lines following a summer of changes and transformation.
But just because the club made several changes during the offseason, it doesn’t mean the changes are over. According to one notable insider, the Maple Leafs are still on the prowl, looking to upgrade the top-six forward group.
In the latest edition of his 32 Thoughts blog, Elliotte Friedman got into the nitty-gritty of the Maple Leafs’ search to upgrade the top-six forward group. Friedman noted that once the trade market heats up, Toronto will be looking to add.
While that is hardly earth-shattering news, it’s interesting to note that the Maple Leafs remain active on the trade market. As it stands, the team’s top six includes newcomer Matias Maccelli and Bobby McMann. As such, the Leafs may feel that at least two openings could linger in that forward group.
Assuming that Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews, and John Tavares and William Nylander are inseparable, then there’s certainly plenty of room to add at least two more top-six forwards.
Now, it’s worth noting that Friedman didn’t specify if the Maple Leafs are seeking a center or winger. Perhaps it could just be a matter of adding the sort of player that’s available at the right time and at the right price.
Maple Leafs Could Add a Top-Six Center
The Maple Leafs could seek a top-six center to bolster their depth down the middle. As it stands, Matthews and Tavares are the 1C and 2C, respectively. Max Domi, who was once thought a lock in the top line, will handle the 3C role for now.
That situation could mean that the Maple Leafs may be looking for a 2C to either spell Tavares or support the former Leaf captain. It would be somewhat of a controversial move to push Tavares to the wing. But if a solid second-line center became available, it’s a move the Maple Leafs might not pass up.
It’s also worth underscoring that top-six centers are not readily available at this point. Several teams are holding on to their pieces for now. But that trend may not last forever. Contending teams are anxiously awaiting bubble clubs to sink or swim. Depending on how things play out, certain players could become available.
A Top-Six Winger Makes More Sense for Toronto
A top-six winger could make much more sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs at this point. The openings on the top-line right-wing slot and the second-line left-wing role are clearly there. While it’s not a criticism of Maccelli or McMann, they’ll still need to prove they belong.
Perhaps they do. Perhaps both Maccelli and McMann prove they’re top-six forwards. If so, it would alleviate the pressure on GM Brad Treliving to find that coveted top-six winger.
But then again, if the Maple Leafs have the opportunity to upgrade, they would be remiss if they didn’t take advantage of it.
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