The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again at the center of the NHL offseason spotlight, with speculation swirling around the futures of two of their most dynamic players: Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies. After another hard-fought playoff run that ultimately fell short of a Stanley Cup Finals appearance, the franchise faces a pivotal summer filled with uncertainty and tough decisions.

While the rumor mill has been churning with talk of major departures, including the possible exit of Marner and the potential offer sheet drama surrounding Knies, recent developments have thrown a surprising twist into the narrative.

As the organization weighs its options and considers the best path forward, fans and analysts alike are left wondering what the next chapter will hold for these star forwards and the Maple Leafs as a whole. Amid the noise and speculation, one thing is certain: this offseason promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent Toronto history.

Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Photo credit: NHL.com

Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies were both fantastic this season in Toronto, and while many expect one to be out soon, that may not be the case after all.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fought hard to Game 7 of the second round in 2025, but the end result was still the same: the team continues to search for their first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals since way back in 2001/02.

They’ve got some huge decisions to make in free agency as a result, but from all angles, it appears as though star forward Mitch Marner is on his way out, even if the team believe he’s a chance to return.

On top of that, there has been some discussion around rising young forward Matthew Knies potentially being offer sheeted in the off-season, although the 21-year old recently shut down that idea.

“I want to be here. I want to play here. That’s all that matters to me.”

Now however, a scenario has emerged, according to Elliotte Friedman where not one but both players could stay, and although the team would likely need to shake things up elsewhere, this could be an interesting route for Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs to take.

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Given the vitriol that has been sprayed in the direction of Marner by this fanbase however, it’s unclear exactly why he’d want to come back, especially if he’s likely to be offered upwards of $13.5 million elsewhere in free agency.

As of right now, there are so many different ways that free agency can play out for the Maple Leafs, and while this is just one of many scenarios, it’s definitely not one to rule out for this team.