Getty
The Toronto Maple Leafs face an offseason of uncertainty in 2026, with three major storylines highlighting the process.
The Toronto Maple Leafs got a head start on their 2026 offseason after the final buzzer of Game 82. The 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators in their season finale punctuated what a highly disappointing season it was.
Instead of making a strong postseason run, the Maple Leafs are now wondering how to turn things around next season. That’s why three burning questions emerge as the Maple Leafs get the offseason into full swing.
3 Burning Questions Facing Maple Leafs this OffseasonWho Will Take Over Crucial Front-Office Roles?
The major storyline in the early stages of the Maple Leafs offseason has been the search for a new general manager (GM) and President of Hockey Operations (POHO).
At the end of last season, the Maple Leafs let go of Brendan Shanahan as the club’s POHO. The organization tried to wing this season without a POHO, but it didn’t go too well. Some reports suggested that the absence of a POHO made the situation needlessly tough on former GM Brad Treliving.
And it was Treliving who ultimately got the ax this season. The Leafs scapegoated Treliving, using him as the focal point of this season’s debacle.
The search for a new GM is still ongoing. The Maple Leafs could be deciding on who will take over the GM role in the coming days. For now, it’s just speculation more than anything.
As for the POHO role, there is less clarity. Some names have emerged in the grapevine, but nothing concrete so far. It seems that the team will first focus on a GM and then move on to the POHO role.
So, stay tuned.
Will Auston Matthews Remain with Maple Leafs?
Once the Leafs have filled their major front-office roles, the next storyline likely to take over the airwaves will be Auston Matthews. Specifically, the storyline will be Matthews’ return or departure next season.
There has been rampant speculation about Matthews potentially leaving the team after his cryptic answer during the end-of-season presser. Matthews stated that he couldn’t predict the future.
While that’s absolutely true, the fact is that Matthews didn’t want to tip his hand in any direction. Whether he wants to stay or go is an entirely separate matter. The Maple Leafs’ captain was careful not to ignite a firestorm of controversy ahead of time.
The speculation is that Matthews will wait for the team’s new leadership to be in place before making a call on his future.
What to read next:
Which Players Will Not Return in 2026-27?
The last major storyline for the Maple Leafs offseason will be the inevitable roster churn. The club will be embarking on a retool this offseason. That situation means that some players will go, and new ones should arrive.
That’s not the question. The question is which faces will be in new uniforms next season. That’s why the Leafs will be facing some tough choices in the coming weeks.
All told, the 2026 offseason will be one of the most crucial ones for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unless the club can miraculously uncover a secret formula, the path forward will be one of uncertainty.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL and NFL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball, football, and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
More Heavy on Maple Leafs
Loading more stories