As the NHL offseason continues, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the more active teams across the league. The Toronto front office has been trying to build a more well-rounded roster for next season, and it has seen them look down multiple different avenues. After losing star Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in free agency, the Maple Leafs have been trying to replace his production.
Maple Leafs Almost Landed Star to Bolster Roster: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the NHL offseason continues, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the more active teams across the league. The Toronto front office has been trying to build a more well-rounded roster for next season, and it has seen them look down multiple different avenues.
After losing star Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in free agency, the Maple Leafs have been trying to replace his production. But one area of concern on this roster has been the defense.
Toronto was massively outplayed in the playoffs, especially on the defensive side of the ice. The Maple Leafs front office has made it a priority to add more talent to the blueline, and it seems the team almost landed a star player.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Maple Leafs tried heavily to land star defenseman JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres before he was traded to the Utah Mammoth.
Frank Seravalli: The Maple Leafs I believe tried to chase down JJ Peterka in Buffalo, that's where the Brandon Carlo connection came in as Buffalo was looking for a right shot defensemen - FAN Pregame
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 5, 2025
If the team had been able to land Peterka, it could have been a complete game-changer. But the rivalry between the Sabres and Maple Leafs may have come into play here.
Either way, the Maple Leafs' front office seems to be going big-game hunting this offseason, and it could net them some quality players. After another early playoff exit, Toronto is determined to go after the Stanley Cup next season.
There is still plenty of time left for the Maple Leafs to make some moves, and the roster will likely look very different when the year starts. Fans have been patiently waiting for something big to happen, even if it reportedly hasn't been for a lack of trying.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Hockey
