NHL analysts James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel revealed that the Maple Leafs could be targeting Connor McDavid, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Brock Boeser in free agency. In a shocking twist, two <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6243269/2025/04/01/maple-leafs-mitch-marner-free-agency/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>NHL analysts at 'The Athletic' revealed that the Toronto Maple Leafs need to hold off on making huge moves</a> during the summer and look for a 2026 possible super-star free agent signing. Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle feel that if Mitch Marner or John Tavares leave in free agency, the Leafs have to spend stingily this summer, banking on a huge-blockbuster trade or signing next year. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/prohockeyrumors/status/1907521682148938162'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> While Toronto would love to re-sign both stars, losing them means finding replacements in order to stay competitive. If Tavares departs, Siegel and Mirtle recommend pursuing Florida's future UFA Sam Bennett, though re-signing with the Panthers is likely. Plan B? Matt Duchene. <h3>The Leafs could be targeting Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Boeser</h3> Marner's potential departure is less clear. Nikolaj Ehlers, Brock Boeser, Brock Nelson, and Mikael Granlund have been speculated as potential options, but Boeser seems the best fit. The analysts estimate a contract starting at $8-9 million a year. Their statements make a brash detour, proclaiming the 2025 free-agent class weak and suggesting Toronto might be able to shoot higher in 2026. <h3>The Leafs could also hold off on everyone and wait for a shot at McDavid</h3> If they bide their time and resist overpaying today, they might have a shot at top-tier stars like Jack Eichel, Artemi Panarin, Kyle Connor, Kirill Kaprizov, or, most optimistically, Connor McDavid. Yes, the Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. What if, for instance, McDavid opts not to sign an extension with the Edmonton Oilers this summer and somehow becomes available? If he were to leave Edmonton, the chance to play for his hometown team, and with close pal Matthews - who shares the same agent in Judd Moldaver - could be appealing. - Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TheHockeyWriter/status/1907510846290297053'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> But <a href='https://www.nhl.com/oilers/player/connor-mcdavid-8478402' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>McDavid</a> going into free agency is very unlikely. He's expected to sign an historic extension with Edmonton, where he remains heavily committed. His teammate, Leon Draisaitl, already signed long-term, and the Oilers are Stanley Cup contenders. It would be an uncertain and potentially risky road for the Leafs, given all of the most promising names could be crossed off before they even get a chance to bid. But the upside is much higher than the cast of players available to sign this July 1. - Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle If the Leafs don't replace Marner or Tavares, counting on McDavid would be a huge gamble, one that would cost them their competitive edge. That's why the other players mentioned would be more realistic options.