It may take Tavares coming back at a discounted price, and it may also require Marner to sign for less money than he could make on the open market, but the Maple Leafs best short-term option might be giving this group a couple more shots to get over the hump.

Once again, the Toronto Maple Leafs fell short in the playoffs, sending the organization into a crucial summer. Toronto has multiple key players entering free agency, and the roster could look very different next season.

Despite having a 2024-25 season that would qualify as the best year for many NHL players, Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews didn't live up to his usual standard because of a lingering injury.