The Toronto Maple Leafs are setting their eyes on significant changes as the offseason approaches, with predictions of roster shakeups and high-profile signings. NHL analyst Shane Seney has made headlines by boldly forecasting the addition of Sam Bennett, a star forward from the Florida Panthers, through free agency. Underlining the anticipation, Seney remarked, "Let’s jump ahead to the summer of 2025. The Maple Leafs will have some money to spend in the free-agent market, and will make a splash up front. Bold prediction – Sam Bennett signs long-term deal with his hometown Maple Leafs.”
Bennett, who has proven himself as a Stanley Cup champion, is currently playing out his four-year deal with the Panthers, which totals $17.7 million. His stats this season include 13 goals and 14 assists across 38 games. For the Maple Leafs, Bennett offers more than offensive skills; he adds the grit and intensity some feel the team lacks.
Seney emphasized the significance of Bennett's relationship with Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving, who originally drafted him as the first pick of his tenure with the Calgary Flames back in 2014. Treliving's acknowledgment of trading Bennett—one of his career regrets—raises the speculation of how their rapport might influence Bennett's potential decision to join the Maple Leafs.
The connection runs deep for Bennett, whose ties to Toronto are personal. He has often expressed his interest in playing for his hometown team, stating, "It is funny though because I’m actually here all summer, I walk by and fans see me all the time. They actually always have something to say, they hate me, but they always end with ‘I want you to be a Leaf one day.'" This sentiment reflects the eagerness of Leafs fans to welcome him back to Toronto.
Toronto is also on the lookout to bolster its roster with another forward. With significant talent such as Marner and Tavares pending free agency, the pressure is high on Treliving to make strategic decisions. According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, acquiring a center is at the top of Treliving's priority list before the NHL trade deadline. Friedman noted, "Well, you know, I think that's the number one thing he's been looking at all season. Their preference is term.” This insight indicates the organization’s desire to invest long-term rather than just for short-term benefits.
Every offseason and trade deadline brings mixed sentiments, and this one is no different, with varying opinions on what direction the Leafs might head. Although they currently hold the top spot in the Atlantic Division, the pressure mounts as Stanley Cup ambitions grow.
Complicatory factors arise for the Maple Leafs as they analyze their financial standing. Compounding the pressure of free agency is the need to retain players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Both athletes are showing great performances, with Marner recently ranking second in the NHL for assists and scoring fourth overall on points, reflecting his outstanding play. The urgency to negotiate Marner's contract rises as he plays himself toward higher earnings, likely beyond his current bracket of $13.25 million annually.
Meanwhile, Tavares, who has been performing at nearly point-per-game pace, raises additional questions about his contract. Initially expected to take less for the benefit of the team, Tavares's impressive showing could lead negotiations to shift toward his favor. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the decisions faced by Leafs management.
The changes around the Maple Leafs head coaching situation have also marked this season, with new head coach Craig Berube at the helm. Players have responded positively to Berube's coaching style, highlighting his effective communication and his experience as a Stanley Cup winner. Both John Tavares and William Nylander have praised Berube's impact and leadership. Nylander noted his admiration for Berube by stating, "I think what Craig brings to the table is huge. He’s obviously won before, and I think he’s a great person. Great communicator. If there’s ever anything you feel you can go talk to him, he’s honest with what he thinks.”
By all accounts, it appears Berube's influence on the team has been favorable, as the Maple Leafs are on pace for their best season statistically. Despite some inconsistent stretches and injuries, the squad continues to perform admirably, which bodes well as they approach the playoffs. Currently, the team's goaltending has seen significant improvement, enhancing their chances for postseason success.
After securing the Stanley Cup, the time has come for not only the Maple Leafs but for each player to assess their contributions, strengths, and areas requiring improvement. With the tension of free agency on the horizon, and roster enhancements expected, the ultimate test for the Maple Leafs will be whether they can transition effectively from regular-season success to playoff glory.