Leafs Set to Make Key RFA Decisions: Maccelli, Robertson, Quillan, Villeneuve at Center Stage

The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing to make pivotal decisions on their restricted free agents ahead of the April 15 deadline. With four RFAs on the roster, Mattias Maccelli, Nick Robertson, Jacob Quillan, and William Villeneuve, the team must balance flexibility, development, and roster stability as they build for the future.

Maccelli is expected to be the odd man out. While the 22-year-old has shown steady improvement this season, including a 24-goal campaign and a plus-15 rating in 68 games, the Leafs are likely to avoid qualifying him. A qualifying offer would tie up cap space and make him a difficult trade asset. Instead, the team could use the open roster spot to add a right-handed forward or a mid-season upgrade.

Robertson, Quillan, and Villeneuve are all projected to receive qualifying offers. The most logical path is to sign each to a two-year extension at the qualifying tender. Robertson, who has 22 goals and 52 points this season, remains a top trade chip. Quillan and Villeneuve, both 21, are still developing but have shown enough upside to warrant a two-year runway in the AHL. This approach preserves trade value while giving the young players more time to mature.

Troy Stecher’s future with the Leafs is uncertain. The 28-year-old defenseman has 12 goals and 34 points this season but is set to become an unrestricted free agent. If a three-year deal worth around $1.15 million annually is on the table, the Leafs could keep him as insurance depth. Otherwise, letting him walk makes sense to free up cap space.

Calle Järnkrok will likely finish his tenure in Toronto after this season. The 30-year-old forward has been a steady presence on the fourth line but is expected to seek a fresh start elsewhere. His departure, combined with Maccelli’s potential exit, highlights a growing need for right-handed forwards on the Leafs roster. William Nylander is one of the few right-shot wingers on the team, making this a clear area of focus for the front office.

With the RFAs and UFAs sorted, the Leafs will turn their attention to filling key roster gaps. The team has $12 million in projected cap space, giving general manager Brad Treliving room to make a splash. Whether through trade or free agency, the priority will be addressing the right-side forward shortage and adding depth at defense.

The April 15 deadline looms large. The Maple Leafs will finalize their RFA decisions by then, shaping the direction of their roster for the next phase of their rebuild.