Maple Leafs’ management dares to hint at Connor McDavid move!

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be laying the groundwork for something massive. At a recent media availability, Keith Pelley, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), dropped a line that immediately raised eyebrows from fans across the city.

“The resources are still going to be there. It is my responsibility to… place those resources in the best opportunity for us to win.”

On the surface, Pelley was speaking broadly about the Leafs’ financial commitment to building a championship roster. But when paired with the franchise’s looming cap space and Connor McDavid’s contract situation in Edmonton, the speculation machine went into overdrive.

The NHL salary cap is projected to rise dramatically over the next few seasons: from $88 million in 2024–25 to $95.5 million in 2025–26, $104 million in 2026–27, and an eye-popping $113.5 million in 2027–28. That kind of financial landscape could open the door for Toronto to chase a superstar in his prime.

By 2026–27, the Leafs are projected to have around $22 million in available cap space. Conveniently, that’s the same offseason McDavid’s current deal with the Oilers is set to expire.

McDavid has publicly stated his “intention to win in Edmonton,” but he hasn’t ruled out testing free agency. That uncertainty, coupled with Toronto’s cap flexibility and MLSE’s willingness to spend, has fueled chatter that the Maple Leafs could be preparing for the ultimate swing.

Of course, prying away the best player in the world is far from simple. Edmonton will do everything in its power to keep its captain, and McDavid’s loyalty to the Oilers remains strong. But as the cap explodes and Toronto’s leadership sends signals about leveraging resources, the possibility, however faint, of McDavid in a blue and white uniform is enough to keep Leafs Nation dreaming.