The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to lose Mitch Marner in free agency, and one prediction has them signing one of the top free agents available to replace him.
All signs point to Marner leaving in free agency, and Toronto will have a big hole in the lineup as they look to replace him. Yet, NHL analyst Chris Bengel of CBS Sports predicts the Maple Leafs will sign Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks in free agency to help replace Marner.
“Boeser could be switching addresses when he enters free agency,” Bengel wrote. “Boeser is a crafty goal scorer that can find the back of the net from just about anywhere on the ice. After registering a 40-goal campaign in 2023-24, Boeser did see a dip in production this past season, but he still figures to be one of the top available forwards on the market.
“The Minnesota Wild make a ton of sense for Boeser, considering that he’s originally from Minnesota,” Bengel added. “Teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs also make a ton of sense for the star winger. If the Maple Leafs end up losing Marner in free agency, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them try to replace that production among their top-six with Boeser. Prediction: Boeser signs with Toronto Maple Leafs.”
Boeser completed his three-year, $19.95 million deal with the Canucks. The star winger can be a first or second-line winger for the Maple Leafs and add some more scoring to the lineup.
The 28-year-old recorded 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points in 75 games.
What is Boeser Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Boeser is one of the top free agents available and is expected to get a hefty deal in free agency.
DailyFaceoff.com ranked Boeser as the fourth-ranked pending free agent. The star winger is a legit top-six forward, and using AFP Analytics, the outlet projects Boeser will sign a six-year deal with $8.5 million per season.
Boeser has spent his entire NHL career with the Canucks after being picked 23rd overall in 2015. However, all signs point to him likely leaving the team in free agency, according to Frank Seravalli.
“Canucks recently made another run at bringing back pending UFA forward Brock Boeser. Boeser will be going to market on July 1,” Seravalli wrote on X.
Boeser has skated in 554 career games, recording 204 goals and 230 assists for 434 points.
Maple Leafs GM Praises Tavares After Extension
Before free agency opens up on July 1, John Tavares signed a four-year, $17.55 million extension with the Maple Leafs.
The star centerman took a bit of a discount to remain in Toronto. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving had a ton of praise for Tavares after the deal got done.
“It’s a really good day. I want to start by giving a lot of credit, first and foremost to John,” Treliving said. “We talked at the end of the year (about) John’s desire and want to be here, and to win here. I think his commitment was illustrated by what he did here. There was an opportunity for John to make a lot more money elsewhere. His focus was staying here. His work and his commitment and his desire steered the process in this negotiation. Full marks and full credit to John and his representatives.”
The Maple Leafs have just over $21 million in cap space.
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