Unveiling the Next NHL Superstar on Toronto Maple Leafs' Radar

This association appears to extend to just about every NHL player from Ontario.

Steven Stamkos, for example, has been continuously connected with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The rumors started circulating 7 years ago now, when he decided to extend his commitment to Tampa Bay for 8 years. Despite his choice, there were talks about Toronto offering him a seven-year deal with an Annual Average Value (AAV) of around $11 million.

By 2025, Stamkos is expected to become a free agent. This situation presents a window of opportunity, precisely 12 months, for the Leafs to bring him on board without incurring any additional costs.

In order to accommodate Stamkos, a 33-year-old superstar player, into their payroll, the Leafs would have to make some significant financial adjustments. Either Stamkos would need to accept a less than ideal pay or the Leafs might need to let go of one of their core four players, which is seeming more and more likely every day.

The team has recently been in the spotlight with rumors suggesting that Nylander might be exiting the team and Matthews may not be interested in a long-term commitment. These circumstances could potentially pave the way for Stamkos, a native of Ontario, to join the Leafs.

Moreover, the Leafs' core four hasn't proven their mettle in the postseason, which hints at the necessity of some significant changes.

As Read on HockeyPatrol - The Next NHL Superstar the Maple Leafs should Target is Revealed