Maple Leafs Face Tough Decisions with Key Contracts for 2026-27 Season

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made significant moves this off-season, acquiring several new contracts through free agency and trades, including Gavin McKenna’s entry-level deal, signed on the final day of development camp on July 3. While the salary cap’s growth provides some breathing room for teams managing larger contracts, the Maple Leafs still face challenges with certain deals on their payroll.

As the team gears up for the 2026-27 NHL season, three contracts stand out as particularly challenging, each for different reasons, whether it’s the salary cap hit, the length of the deal, or the clauses attached.

First on the list is Dakota Joshua, who has two years remaining on the four-year contract he initially signed with the Vancouver Canucks in June 2024. After being traded to Toronto for a 2028 fourth-round draft pick, Joshua’s $3.25 million cap hit has become a concern. His performance has not matched the expectations that come with his salary, leading to a demotion in the lineup. In a league where fourth-line players are typically expected to contribute significantly, paying over $3 million for a player in this role is less than ideal.

Next, there’s Morgan Rielly, who has also drawn scrutiny despite being a solid defenseman. With a $7.5 million cap hit, Rielly has not consistently performed at the level expected for that salary, but he still logs substantial minutes on the ice. Averaging 21:08 and 21:23 in the past two seasons, he remains a top-four defenseman for many NHL teams. The concern lies not in his performance, but in the length of his contract, which runs for four more years, making him 36 when it expires. Additionally, his no-move clause and a modified 10-team no-trade clause in the final years may deter teams from pursuing a trade, limiting Toronto’s options.

Finally, Colton Sissons, a recent addition from free agency, signed a two-year contract worth $4.25 million per season. While Sissons’ contract is manageable within the context of the salary cap, it raises eyebrows given his position and offensive output. Known more for his two-way play and penalty-killing abilities rather than offensive production, Sissons’ cap hit is puzzling, especially when it comes close to the salary of John Tavares, a proven 30-goal scorer. For a team looking to balance talent and salary, this discrepancy adds another layer of complexity.

As the Maple Leafs navigate the upcoming season, these contracts will undoubtedly be a focal point in discussions about the team’s roster and future direction.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.