As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, NHL teams are already focused on the offseason and potential free agent movements. Among those discussions, Connor McDavid’s potential Maple Leafs free agency has ignited intense speculation about where the NHL’s top player might land once his contract expires in 2026.

Although McDavid remains under contract for one more year on his eight-year, $100 million deal, many consider him the most valuable player in the league, possibly making him the most sought-after free agent in NHL history. This brewing possibility has caught the attention of NHL insiders and fans, especially surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs’ future roster.

The Possibility of McDavid Joining Toronto Holds Subtle Intrigue

Luke Fox, an NHL insider, addressed a Sportsnet mailbag question asking if McDavid could end up with the Maple Leafs. He described the scenario as “slim but enticing,” noting that while it’s unlikely, it cannot be ruled out entirely.

And I do wonder how the potential availability of McDavid — who will prioritize winning over money — impacts how not just (Leafs general manager Brad) Treliving but the other 31 general managers tackle the 2025 offseason.

—Luke Fox, NHL Insider

Fox emphasized that even though the Oilers are expected to offer McDavid a “blank cheque,” monetary incentives alone may not secure his future with Edmonton.

It’s not a guarantee that No. 97 re-signs in Edmonton, even though the Oilers will present a blank cheque,

To not keep an eye on the 2026 UFA class (as a GM), which also includes Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel and Artemi Panarin, is to not do your job.

—Luke Fox, NHL Insider

McDavid’s Toronto Roots and Team Cap Space Fuel the Speculation

Connor McDavid grew up in Richmond Hill, a suburb of Toronto, which adds a personal dimension to the rumors of him possibly joining the Maple Leafs. His next move could depend on the outcome of the current Stanley Cup Final and Edmonton’s performance in the next season.

With Mitch Marner, a key Maple Leafs forward, expected to leave Toronto, the team could have approximately $44 million in salary cap space for the 2026-27 season. This flexibility aligns with projections indicating an NHL salary cap around $104 million by then, possibly facilitating a significant offer to McDavid.

Uncertainty Looms Over Toronto’s Offseason After Marner’s Expected Departure

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving faces a challenging offseason with major roster decisions ahead. The potential loss of Mitch Marner creates a void that the team hopes to fill, ideally with a high-impact acquisition such as McDavid, whose availability would reshape the team’s competitive outlook.

Stanley Cup Final Sets the Stage for Future NHL Moves

As the Oilers and Panthers battle for the Stanley Cup, the NHL’s offseason conversations swirl with tension and uncertainty. Matthew Tkachuk has already delivered a pointed message regarding the significance of this final series, highlighting the high stakes for teams and players looking toward the future.

The outcome of the finals, combined with escalating cap considerations and contract expirations, sets a volatile backdrop for the 2025-26 season. How teams navigate this period, especially around the 2026 unrestricted free agent class, will likely influence the NHL landscape for years ahead, with Connor McDavid’s choices at the heart of the intrigue.