Maple Leaf News and Rumors: Is Mangiapane suitable? Cujo’s Hall Case & Carlo’s Two-Year Influence – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leaf

With July 1 approaching quickly, Toronto Maple Leaf has entered the planning phase of the critical offseason. General Manager (GM) Brad Treliving can fill big holes, most notably, score depth has been a problem if Mitch Marner leaves and is in the mid-term six. There is also work to be done on the Blue Line, but some fragments are in place. Along with free agents and trade speculation, this week has brought a new spotlight to the Maple Leaf legend, which could eventually get his expiration.

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In this version of Maple Leaf News and Rumors, three storylines are worth following as the offseason unfolds.

Project 1: Can Andrew Mangiapane become a low-risk, high-top signature for maple leaves?

according to Stage 4‘s David Pagnotta, the Maple Leafs are expected to show interest in Bolton, Ontario native Andrew Mangiapane when free agency opens on July 1. While he’s no longer the 35-goal breakout star he was with the Calgary Flames in 2021–22, Mangiapane could be an intriguing buy-low option for a team desperate for middle-six scoring Help. The role of the Washington Capitals this season has been limited, with 14 goals and 28 points, which is the sharpest number, but shows that his game still has some value.

The key here is the cost. After two disappointing seasons, Mangiapane may not have a long-term deal or huge money. A contract in the $20,000-300,000-100,000 range may make sense for both parties – Torento has obtained an aggressive player with a scoring history, and Mangiapane has the opportunity to restart his career in a system that can leverage his speed and work ethics. What if he doesn’t extinguish? The contract will not be too heavy to be buried.

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Maple Leaf has a lot of offseason demand, and adding score depth without swelling is at the top of the list. Mangiapane isn’t a splash name, but he’s the kind of value bet that can pay off if used wisely, and he’s fit in a hometown, team-friendly narrative that is often appealing to management and fans.

Item 2: It’s time – the Hall of Fame Deserved by Curtis Joseph

The debate about Curtis Joseph and the Hockey Hall of Fame is too long. If this year’s election committee values ​​consistency, lifespan and sustained excellence, then Cujo’s name should eventually be called. Joseph’s career victory (454) is more than any goalkeeper who hasn’t entered the hall yet and is second among Saves’s all-time leaders, a testament to his durability and his ability to dominate year after year.

But Cucho is not only a long-term meshman—he was elite at his peak. From 1991 to 1994, Joseph led the NHL for three consecutive seasons alongside the St. Louis Blues. Not only is it solid, it is one of the best in the world in years. When he joined the Maple Leafs, he became the backbone of the team, leading them through their most successful playoffs in decades. He was a Hart Trophy finalist and finished second in the Vezina Trophy vote in 1999, proving that his influence goes far beyond the wins and statistics.

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Joseph probably doesn’t have a Stanley Cup ring that often swings voters. Still, he’s everything else: longevity, dominance, respect in the league and the ability to steal the playoff series. He has been playing with a professional, hardworking and heart-wrenching attitude until he was 41 years old. It’s not just about reward numbers, but about recognizing a profession that embodies the elite’s gatekeeper spirit. It’s time for Kujo to arrive.

Project 3: Make Brandon Carlo a Maple Leaf victory all season

When the Maple Leafs acquired Brandon Carlo on the 2025 trade deadline, it was rarely seen coming, but the impact was direct. Carlo was inserted next to Morgan Rielly next to Morgan Rielly, offering a solid full-time business that allows Toronto’s top defenders to focus on driving the game. Although Carlo didn’t illuminate the scoring slice (only three assists in 20 regular season games and no assists in the playoffs), he did what he was brought in: blocking shots, killing the game, and bringing the structure to the blue line that desperately needed it. His 28 blocks and reliable position were key to helping Rielly regain his offensive confidence, which was shown in the playoffs.

The best part? Carlo just started in Toronto. With his trade tenure, the Maple Leafs will now get a full season and training camp, with the season’s top four defenders growing into Craig Berube’s system. Carlo’s unincorporated style is perfect for what Berube wants: tough, defensive, error-free hockey. Hopefully by next spring, Carlo will be more comfortable and influential in his role. Maple Leaf not only rents Carlo, but also locks in a long-term asset that they can help consolidate the backend for years to come.

What’s next for maple leaves?

Next week will bring the answer, or at least move. The NHL draft, the opening of free agents and the significance of ongoing Marner trade speculation, July will define how the Maple Leafs plan to reset near Auston Matthews and William Nyland. Whether it is adding depth like Mangiapane, celebrating legends like Joseph, or building a defense-first system under Berube, the organization seems to be leaning towards one theme: structure, accountability, and balance.

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This won’t happen at the same time, and the team still has tough decisions. But these latest developments and rumors may glimpse the front desk, trying to correct old habits and shape different things in 2025-26.