Toronto Maple Leafs 2026 Season Preview & Predictions

There have been countless low points for the Toronto Maple Leafs since they last won the Stanley Cup, and finishing second-to-last in the Eastern Conference in 2025-26 was one of them. 

With sweeping on- and off-ice changes, so much has happened in recent months, providing hope as the team prepares to enter a new era in 2026-27.

What to Expect From the Maple Leafs 2026-27 Season  

There were a ton of mitigating factors to the Maple Leafs’ disappointing season. Injuries took a significant toll, with most of their best players missing time. 

Auston Matthews, the now-departed Brandon Carlo, William Nylander, Anthony Stolarz, and Chris Tanev were forced out of the lineup for varying periods. 

Tanev, who played only 11 games, represented the most substantial loss. His absence on the blue line was a contributing factor to the team’s second-worst goals-against (3.60) and second-worst goals-against per 60 minutes (3.01). 

There’s also the fact that the team lost faith in Craig Berube. And in turn, the former head coach lost the locker room. 

How Much Will the New Personnel Help? 

The Maple Leafs secured what they hope will become the next franchise player, providing uncapped hope and optimism for the franchise and city. 

The pressure is on Gavin McKenna to fill those giant-size skates, but he has the skill set and talent to fulfill his potential. 

It might take time before he’s among the NHL’s elite, but playing alongside Matthews will help his development considerably. And it won’t be a one-way street, as the 18-year-old should help the captain return to his prolific goal-scoring ways. 

New general manager John Chayka has made waves since entering the fray, making his intent clear. He hired Jim Hiller to instill a puck-possession philosophy with quicker, more mobile blueliners. 

Chayka acquired Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning and Emil Andrae from the Philadelphia Flyers, both of whom should also help and fit the aforementioned mould.

And then there’s the intriguing free-agency signing of legendary, if not a bit old in the teeth, Sergei Bobrovsky. 

Can the 37-year-old recapture his best form after one of his worst regular seasons, and does he still have his playoff magic?  

The Maple Leafs have -120 hockey odds at the BetMGM sportsbook to secure a playoff spot, and I predict they will. 

But I suspect Chayka will require more to consider the campaign a success. I see them winning one playoff round, but that will likely be the ceiling for a franchise in transition.