As Mitch Marner’s tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs appears to be nearing its end, the team faces a difficult dilemma: how to replace a player known for his comprehensive impact on the ice. While some critics highlight Marner’s playoff performance issues, his value in all game situations—including power plays, penalty kills, zone exits, and puck distribution—is widely recognized. The question isn’t merely about finding a similar skill set but deciding the future identity of the Maple Leafs without his presence. This article explores the most plausible candidates currently tied to trade and free agency discussions who might take on Marner’s role.

Jared McCann: The Versatile Two-Way Player from Ontario

Among the options, Jared McCann stands out as a practical choice for replacing Mitch Marner, not just due to his offensive output but because of his adaptability. The 29-year-old Stratford native recently completed a 61-point season with the Seattle Kraken and boasts a 40-goal season from two years prior, demonstrating impressive scoring ability. The Maple Leafs previously had McCann in their system but allowed him to depart during the 2021 Expansion Draft, a decision some now consider a misstep.

McCann can play both centre and wing positions effectively, contributing on special teams and maintaining a strong defensive game, aligning well with head coach Craig Berube’s emphasis on a 200-foot playing style. His contract is manageable at an average annual value of $5 million for the next two seasons, and he retains only a limited no-trade clause, simplifying acquisition logistics. Unlike Marner’s flashy playmaking, McCann offers consistent, reliable playmaking and work ethic—traits the Maple Leafs currently need most.

Steven Stamkos: The Experienced Leader with Proven Scoring Ability

Steven Stamkos carries a prestigious reputation as a Stanley Cup champion and former longtime captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning. His leadership and clutch scoring are qualities the Maple Leafs have sought for some time. On paper, Stamkos and John Tavares share many similarities, acting as smart, experienced centres capable of alternating between centre and wing, commanding the power play, and adding depth to the team’s forward group.

This kind of front-line versatility could be an asset in a team pushing for a championship, allowing strategic role changes depending on injuries and matchups. However, the financial implications present a significant barrier. Stamkos’s estimated $8 million annual salary overshadows Tavares’s anticipated hometown discount near $5.5 million, a discrepancy that could complicate contract negotiations and disrupt locker room chemistry, especially after Tavares was recently asked to step aside as captain.

Although Stamkos’s fit on ice seems promising, his arrival could send the wrong message internally. The organization would face a tough challenge balancing salaries while preserving team morale, making the acquisition complicated despite its potential on-ice benefits.

Brock Boeser: A Goal-Scoring Specialist with Style Concerns

Brock Boeser is known for his goal-scoring prowess, with six seasons posting 23 or more goals. His ability to threaten in tight spaces on the power play is undeniable. Yet, his track record in Vancouver suggests he may lack the consistency in driving overall play or elevating teammates that the Leafs require. There are longstanding concerns about his tendency to disappear when games become physically demanding, a trait that frustrated Canucks fans.

If Toronto seeks to adopt a more physically intimidating style under coach Berube, Boeser’s finesse-heavy approach might not meet team or fan expectations. He is not known for penalty killing or a gritty style, and while he might help fill the offensive hole left by Marner, his presence might only highlight how much Marner contributed beyond scoring. Boeser is reportedly linked to the Anaheim Ducks, where he could command a lucrative contract. For Maple Leafs supporters, his acquisition might provoke mixed emotions similar to past fan frustration with players like Justin Holl.

Choosing the Path Forward for the Maple Leafs

There is no perfect one-to-one replacement for Mitch Marner’s unique role on the team. Instead, Toronto needs to decide what type of team identity they intend to embrace post-Marner. Jared McCann offers the most balanced mix of skill, versatility, and financial sense, making him a logical priority. Steven Stamkos delivers leadership and scoring pedigree but introduces challenging contractual and locker room dynamics. Meanwhile, Brock Boeser’s talents would address certain offensive needs, yet could amplify nostalgia for Marner’s all-purpose impact.

The task of replacing Marner remains one of the most complex dilemmas the Maple Leafs have faced in recent years. Marner’s own approach to contract talks reflects a rift that once divided fans, adding emotional complexity to the situation. Ultimately, once the decision is made, fans are likely to experience conflicting feelings—relief that an era is ending, coupled with a tangible sense of loss for the player they have come to admire.

This ongoing saga is one of the more perplexing and emotionally charged challenges observed in the broader narrative surrounding the Maple Leafs over the past eight seasons, underscoring the difficulty of replacing a player of Marner’s stature in both skill and significance.