After a measured Day 1 of NHL Free Agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves with approximately $7 million in available cap space, positioning the team for further moves as the offseason unfolds.
During media availability, General Manager Brad Treliving emphasized a deliberate strategy: maintain financial flexibility to explore trade opportunities, particularly when it comes to adding a top-six forward—a key area of need heading into 2025–26.
“You have to give yourself the ability to adapt. We weren’t going to force something in free agency that doesn’t fit,” said Treliving.
Potential to Open Up Even More Space
The Leafs could create even greater financial breathing room. According to multiple reports, both David Kämpf and Calle Järnkrok are currently being shopped on the trade market.
If Toronto successfully moves both players:
Kämpf’s cap hit: $2.4 million
Järnkrok’s cap hit: $2.1 million
Total potential additional space: $4.5 million
New cap total available: Up to $11.5 million
That kind of cap room would give Toronto meaningful flexibility to pursue upgrades without compromising core assets.
Who Might Be Interested?
Several teams missed out on mid-tier free agents such as Andrew Mangiapane, Tanner Jeannot, Lars Eller, Nico Sturm, and Radek Faksa. For those clubs still looking to round out their bottom-six or upgrade penalty killing, Kämpf and Järnkrok represent affordable, defensively responsible options with playoff experience.
Toronto could find trade partners among teams looking for:
Cost-controlled depth forwards
Veteran leadership
Special teams contributors
What’s Next?
With their core largely intact and some key areas still to address, the Maple Leafs appear to be biding their time—balancing strategic patience with opportunistic aggression. If a top-six winger becomes available, especially one with term or a manageable cap hit, Toronto will likely be ready to act.
In the meantime, every dollar matters. And for now, Brad Treliving is making sure the Leafs are in a position to strike.
Stay tuned to TMLDomain.com for continued coverage of trades, free agency, and all things Toronto Maple Leafs.
