Toronto Maple Leafs suddenly linked to Norris Trophy winning star defenseman

When Nick Alberga asked which player he'd call first if he were Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka, Marek answered fast: Roman Josi.

He was clear this was his own opinion, not a report - and yet the name hasn't stopped circulating since the clip dropped.

The problem with the excitement that followed is actually quite simple: Josi decides where he goes, not Chayka.

The Nashville Predators captain carries a no-movement clause through the 2026-27 season, meaning any deal requires his sign-off.

Pierre LeBrun reported in The Athletic that Josi's first instinct is to stay in Nashville.

LeBrun noted the odds of a move happening are higher than most expect, but the outcome depends almost entirely on what new Nashville GM Chris MacFarland does with Ryan O'Reilly, Steven Stamkos, and Jonathan Marchessault in the coming weeks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs finished 28th overall this season with a 32-36-14 record. They allowed 299 goals against and closed on a seven-game losing streak.

Chayka has since acquired Darren Raddysh via sign-and-trade and added Emil Andrae from Philadelphia.

The Fourth Period reports the Leafs carry just under $18.8 million in projected cap space heading into this week's draft.

That room exists. But Josi turns 36 this summer and has spent his entire NHL career in Nashville.

A Norris Trophy winner chasing a Stanley Cup ring is not a natural fit for a team still finding its footing under a first-year general manager.

MacFarland controls whether Nashville moves Josi. Josi controls where he lands.

Chayka controls what Toronto can offer, but he doesn't control the other two. All three have to align before any of this becomes real - and right now, the conversation between any of them has yet to begin.

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