Story Summary
The Toronto Maple Leafs conducted a significant off-season reset, altering their goaltending, defence and bottom-six depth while selecting Gavin McKenna first overall. The club signed veteran Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year, $21 million deal ($7 million AAV) on July 1 and added Darren Raddysh and Emil Andrae via trades. Toronto also supplemented its middle and bottom six with Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime and Zack MacEwen. Notable departures include Joseph Woll, Dennis Hildeby, Brandon Carlo and Matias Maccelli. The Leafs are projected to carry a $106,752,382 cap hit on a 23-man roster, with a projected cap shortfall of $2,752,382 heading into 2026-27.
Key Facts
- Sergei Bobrovsky (G) signed a three-year, $21 million deal ($7 million AAV) on July 1.
- Darren Raddysh (D) was acquired from Tampa Bay on June 19 for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
- Nick Paul (LW) was acquired from Tampa Bay on July 1 in exchange for Dennis Hildeby, a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick.
- Emil Andrae (D) was acquired from Philadelphia on June 16 in exchange for Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit.
- Jack Roslovic (RW) signed a two-year deal on July 1.
- Colton Sissons (C) signed a two-year deal on July 1.
- Teddy Blueger (C) signed a two-year deal on July 1.
- Brandon Duhaime (LW) signed a three-year deal on July 1.
- Zack MacEwen (RW) signed a two-year deal on July 1.
- Gavin McKenna (LW) was drafted first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft.
- Joseph Woll (G) was traded to Philadelphia on June 16.
- Dennis Hildeby (G) was traded to Tampa Bay on July 1 as part of the Nick Paul deal. He posted a .914 save percentage in 20 games last season.
IHM Discussion
Toronto’s off-season work reads like a deliberate rebalancing. The club added veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky while moving out Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby. On defence, the Leafs added Emil Andrae and offensively inclined right-shot blueliner Darren Raddysh, while Brandon Carlo and Simon Benoit departed. That combination could give Toronto more options in transition from the back end.
The middle and bottom-six overhaul is notable for its volume. Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime and Zack MacEwen add a mix of two-way play, physicality and versatility. McKenna arrives as the first overall pick and is expected to compete for a top-nine role.
There are trade-offs. Toronto has moved younger goaltenders and experienced defensive depth while adding a veteran starter who posted a .877 save percentage in 58 games last season. The roster appears more experienced, but its projected cap position leaves little room for error if the new group does not settle quickly.
Why It Matters
This off-season materially changes Toronto’s roster options. A veteran starter raises short-term expectations in goal, while the additions on defence could affect transition play and power-play options. The volume of middle and bottom-six additions also shifts the club towards a more veteran-heavy supporting cast, with implications for lineup choices and cap flexibility through the season.
IHM Market Outlook
The Maple Leafs are projected to have a $106,752,382 cap hit, a full 23-man roster and a $2,752,382 cap shortfall. The same figure is listed for deadline cap space, leaving Toronto with limited financial flexibility on the projection provided.
Mini Q&A
Who did the Maple Leafs sign in goal this off-season?
Sergei Bobrovsky signed a three-year, $21 million deal ($7 million AAV) on July 1.
Which defencemen did Toronto add?
Darren Raddysh was acquired from Tampa Bay on June 19 for a 2026 fifth-round pick; Emil Andrae was acquired from Philadelphia on June 16 in exchange for Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit.
Which forwards were signed to add middle or bottom-six depth?
Jack Roslovic (two year), Colton Sissons (two year), Teddy Blueger (two year), Brandon Duhaime (three years) and Zack MacEwen (two year) were all signed.
Who left the Leafs in trades or free agency?
Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit were traded to Philadelphia; Dennis Hildeby was traded to Tampa Bay; Brandon Carlo was dealt to St. Louis; Matias Maccelli departed in free agency; Nicholas Robertson was traded to Pittsburgh and signed a two-year deal there.
What is Toronto’s projected salary cap situation?
Toronto is projected to have a $106,752,382 cap hit on a 23-man roster, with a $2,752,382 cap shortfall.
What league dates are coming up?
pre-season games begin on 19 September, regular-season opening night is on 29 September, and all 32 teams play on 13 October.
Coach Mark Comment
Toronto’s coaching staff will need to establish roles quickly across a substantially changed supporting cast. The new defence offers different puck-moving options, while the incoming forwards give the club a broader mix of two-way and physical styles. Clear combinations and dependable defensive-zone detail will be important as the group settles in.
What Comes Next
The league calendar lists pre-season games beginning on 19 September, regular-season opening night on 29 September and a full 32-team slate on 13 October.
IHM Final View
Toronto’s off-season is a clear push to strengthen immediately: veteran goaltending, added options on the back end and a reshaped bottom six alongside a high-end draft pick. The changes make the group more experienced but leave little projected cap flexibility. How quickly the new pieces settle will help determine whether the roster can meet its playoff ambitions.