Connor McDavid to The Toronto Maple Leafs Just Got a Whole Lot More Serious

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Skyler Walker
November 13, 2023 (1:02 PM)

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In the midst of NHL rumblings, an intriguing storyline is gaining traction, hinting at a significant shift in the league's dynamics as Connor McDavid appears to be considering a move to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2026-27 season.

McDavid is also 'pissed off' according to Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek of Sportsnet that the Oilers fired Jay Woodcroft, and the new head coach in Edmonton will have a big job to get McDavid out of that (being pissed off).

Sportsnet's Jeff Marek shed light on McDavid's emotional state, stating, "He is legitimately pissed off, he's had it, and he's like legit pissed" about the coaching change. This sentiment was further highlighted by Elliotte Friedman, who acknowledged that one of the challenges for interim coach Kris Knoblauch will be to navigate McDavid's frustration.

McDavid's recent comments about Toronto being the "Mecca of hockey" have fueled speculation about his potential interest in joining the Leafs. The Toronto native expressed admiration for the city's hockey culture, media, passionate fans, and the rich history of the Maple Leafs.

''I could feel that a little bit. It's fun. It's fun to play in Toronto. You know, obviously, I'm a little bit biased. I'm a Toronto kid. But I strongly consider Toronto to be kind of the Mecca of hockey. I really do. Just with all the media and the fans and, obviously, the history of the Leafs. So I like watching Pittsburgh for obvious reasons. And I'm probably going to get in trouble for saying this (chuckles) but I like watching the Leafs just with all the talent they have. Those are probably my top two.''

As Toronto faces salary cap challenges, particularly in retaining standout player William Nylander, the end of John Tavares' contract in 2025-26 could free up substantial cap space, exceeding $11 million. This financial flexibility could pave the way for the Leafs to make a compelling offer to McDavid, creating a formidable duo with current star Auston Matthews.

The prospect of Matthews and McDavid anchoring the Leafs' offense is tantalizing, positioning Toronto as a contender and potential frontrunner in the NHL. While the speculation is speculative, the impact of McDavid donning a Leafs jersey extends beyond the team, potentially reshaping the league. The envisioned partnership between McDavid's elite skills and Matthews' goal-scoring prowess could usher in a new era of Leafs dominance. As the 2026-27 season looms, hockey enthusiasts eagerly await to see if this rumored blockbuster deal will materialize.