The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a pivotal crossroads as they search for a dynamic top-six forward to fill the void left by Mitch Marner’s departure. With the offseason in full swing and options dwindling, all eyes have turned to Jared McCann—a name that has resurfaced in trade discussions and could finally become a reality for the Leafs.

McCann, currently with the Seattle Kraken, is no stranger to Toronto fans, having briefly been part of the organization before the expansion draft drama unfolded. Now, with the Kraken reportedly open to moving him, the possibility of McCann donning the blue and white once again has sparked intrigue and excitement across Leafs Nation. As speculation intensifies and trade rumors swirl, the question remains: could this be the move that solidifies Toronto’s top-six and sets the stage for a new era of contention?

Apr 5, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Seattle Kraken left wing Jared McCann (19) skates on the ice against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose

Photo credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Jared McCann could be the top-six piece Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for as the Seattle Kraken look to trade the forward.

The Leafs continue to look for the right top-six replacement for Mitch Marner in the wake of his sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. Since then, things have not gone smoothly in finding a suitable alternative with GM Brad Treliving admitting that adding a top forward is still a priority.

The acquisitions of Matias Maccelli and Nicolas Roy are ones in which the Leafs hope there is still an upgrade there that despite options thinning out after the first week of free agency.

Toronto still hoping to land Jared McCann

The team remains hopeful that their solution to the hole left by Marner is going to be filled for the season.

A familiar face to Leafs fans could be the answer, as the Seattle Kraken are reportedly shopping Jared McCann according to a report by insider Chris Johnston.

A similar report from David Pagnotta of ‘The Fourth Period’ says that McCann is a name in active trade discussions with Seattle and suitors.

Jared McCann is another name to look at in Seattle. His name started to pop around the trade deadline and he’s still available.

He’s got two, I think three; at least two years left on his deal, but that’s someone we’ve been hearing that Seattle is open to moving.

McCann never suited up for Toronto but was famously known as the player who was acquired by the Leafs ahead of Seattle’s expansion draft, only to be left unprotected in favor of Justin Holl, a player who at the time had criticism from Leafs fans over his play that season.

It’s not the first time McCann has been linked to Toronto since his trade, having been a reported target for Toronto during the trade deadline.

The trade rumors involving McCann would not only finally have him in the blue and white, but would also be their much needed top-six fill.

Is getting Jared McCann workable for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Jared McCann has a favorable contract at $5M annually until 2026-27, a decent amount for a top-six forward.

The Leafs would likely have to subtract a player from their roster as they have just under $5M in cap space going into next season, and although they may place one of their currently 14 signed NHL rostered players on waivers, Toronto would need to trade out a player to make a deal work financially.

Max Domi with his $3.75M AAV seems like the most natural player to move on from to save money, but would not just be the entire deal with surely other pieces headed Seattle’s way.

Four years after being traded by a team he never suited up for, fate could have Jared McCann finally become a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and for real this time.