Maple Leafs Begin Season Without Mitch Marner, Berube Outlines Replacement Strategy

The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering the 2025-26 NHL season without star winger Mitch Marner, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights after nine seasons. Head coach Craig Berube emphasized that Marner’s unique skill set and leadership cannot be replaced by a single player, and instead the team must adapt collectively, focusing on depth and chemistry. The Leafs added Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli to bolster the roster, aiming to create a deeper and more balanced team that complements Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line. Berube confirmed that the alternate captain roles previously held by Marner will remain with Morgan Rielly and John Tavares for now, highlighting that leadership extends beyond wearing the “A.” The coaching staff plans to experiment with different right-wing options during training camp to find the best fit alongside Matthews and Knies. Overall, the Leafs are relying on a combination of new acquisitions and returning veterans to sustain their competitiveness while adjusting to the significant loss of Marner.