The Toronto Maple Leafs are now entering the 2026 offseason with an obvious need for a centre. The new general manager, John Chayka, has confirmed it himself. 

When speaking with reporters this week after adding defenseman Darren Raddysh to the roster, Chayka labelled this position as "an area of opportunity".  TSN insider Darren Dreger, too, confirmed the same on First Up, a morning radio show on June 19, 2026.

“I still firmly believe the Maple Leafs are in the market for a center…and other pieces, man, would they like to get a first-round draft pick, or a couple," said the analyst, as reported by NHL Rumour Report.

After the 2025-26 season, the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. They finished the season with a record of 32-36-14. They scored 78 points and were placed eighth in the Atlantic Division.

This is just a year after winning the same division with 108 points and reaching the second round. Centers typically drive offense by creating scoring chances and setting up teammates. Finishing with just 78 points suggests the team may need more playmaking and scoring down the middle.

The Maple Leafs also lost their star winger, Mitch Marner, in a sign-and-trade, and their captain, Auston Matthews, to a season-ending MCL injury in March.

And their General Manager, Brad Treliving, was fired right before the season ended, and Chayka is now holding the task of rebuilding everything.

With the center clearly a priority, multiple names have surfaced as potential prospects for Toronto, both through trade and free agency.

Center options on the table for Toronto Maple Leafs

With them having the first overall pick, it was expected to be used on forward Gavin McKenna. Chayka has confirmed that he is not actively looking for a pick, but according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, he would listen to offers that can actually add value to the roster for the next season. 

“Not that the Maple Leafs are intent on moving the No. 1 pick, but new general manager John Chayka also isn’t hanging up the phone if and when teams call," said LeBrun.

Coming to the trade front, Anaheim Ducks' Mason McTavish was mentioned as a buy-low candidate. The 23-year-old struggled this season after a contract issue, as he finished with 17 goals and 41 points.

Seattle Kraken's Shane Wright, the fourth overall pick in 2022, has also surfaced. He just went through a disappointing season by scoring only 12 goals and 27 points, with his value also at a low point.

In free agency, there is Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle, who’s currently one of the top available options after a 58-point season, though his price tag will be high. 

There’s also Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton, who’s a 2018 fifth overall pick familiar to Chayka, as they worked together before in the Coyotes/Mammoth organization. He just went through a down year of 10 goals and 25 points.

For Toronto, filling this position, either through a trade or a free-agent signing, is pretty major in the team's offseason as they attempt to rebuild after missing the playoffs.

What do you think the Maple Leafs' decision will be? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar