Maple Leafs Continue Busy Offseason With Two Key Signings

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The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their busy summer on Saturday, signing both Emil Andrae and Gavin McKenna to contracts ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Maple Leafs signed Andrae to a two-year $3.1 million deal, with an average annual value of $1.55 million. John Chayka and Mats Sundin acquired Andrae in a trade that sent former starting netminder Joseph Woll and depth defenceman Simon Benoit in exchange for Andrae, a 2026 third-round pick who the Maple Leafs selected Juuso Ainasto, and Samuel Ersson, who was later traded to the Ottawa Senators.

The Maple Leafs signed McKenna to an entry-level contract after selecting him first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. McKenna is projected to be a player in the Maple Leafs lineup this season with lots of pressure to fill a major role in the Maple Leafs' top six.

Both of these players will be crucial parts of the whether the Maple Leafs can get back into playoff contention. The Maple Leafs were in dire need of a puck-moving defenceman, and Andrae will look to fill that gap in their blueline. Andrae suited up in 61 games with the Flyers this season, registering 13 points, including two goals. McKenna, on the other hand, played his final year of junior hockey in the Big Ten with Penn State University, where he dominated, scoring 51 points in 35 games. McKenna also represented Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship in December.

Many believe the Maple Leafs aren't finished making moves this offseason, with the future of their longest-tenured player, Morgan Rielly, remaining one of the biggest storylines. As trade speculation continues to build, it may only be a matter of time before Toronto's roster for the 2026-27 season begins to take shape.