The Toronto Maple Leafs may have had a quiet offseason by blockbuster standards, but there’s no shortage of storylines heading into the 2025–26 season. From rising prospect Ben Danford making noise on the international stage to Auston Matthews potentially stepping into a new era of leadership, the team appears to be entering a transitional—but promising phase.
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While general manager (GM) Brad Treliving didn’t overhaul the roster, his calculated moves and cap-conscious planning suggest a wait-and-see approach. With key questions still lingering regarding the team’s post-Mitch Marner offensive identity, the season ahead could define the direction of the franchise for years to come. Can Matthews assume a more expansive leadership style?
Item One: Maple Leafs’ Danford Is Turning Heads at World Junior Showcase
The Maple Leafs may have found a gem in Danford. Selected 31st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-2 defenceman has emerged as a standout performer at Hockey Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase in Minneapolis. According to one source close to the event, Danford hasn’t just been solid—he’s been the best player on the ice.
Described as “steady, smart, and impossible to ignore,” Danford is making a case not only for a spot on Canada’s blue line at the 2026 World Juniors but also for serious long-term upside within the Maple Leafs organization. His ability to break up plays, transition quickly, and show poise under pressure is earning praise from scouts and coaches alike.
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Already named captain of the Oshawa Generals for the upcoming Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season, Danford is also benefiting from mentorship within the Maple Leafs system, including advice from veterans like Mark Giordano. If this trajectory continues, Toronto fans may not have to wait long to see Danford in blue and white.
Item Two: Treliving’s Cap Management and Depth Additions
Amid a quiet offseason, the extensions for Matthew Knies and John Tavares stand out as arguably the best pieces of business Treliving has pulled off. Both players could have sought more money or longer terms elsewhere, but their deals give Toronto cost certainty and flexibility. Tavares, in particular, showed a strong commitment to the team’s…
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