News Maple Leafs Team Notes

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs’ 3 Stars of the Week: Matthews continues hot stretch, Tavares records seventh 30-goal season

March hasn’t been that kind to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who held a record of 2-4-1 entering last week’s slate of games. They opened the month with a crazy win over the Penguins, only to follow it with three straight losses. They rebounded with another crazy win over Utah but dropped their next two to division rivals. So, it is safe to say last week’s four-game schedule was crucial to Toronto, as they looked to stay in contention for first place in the division.

3rd star: William Nylander​

Week 24 stats: 4 GP – 1 G – 4 A – 5 PTS

Season stats: 70 GP – 38 G – 25 A – 73 PTS

Consistently finding his way on the scoresheet has been a thing for William Nylander this season. Whether he’s playing his best hockey or not, the 28-year-old will find a way to find the back of the net or pick up an assist that impresses the crowd. Nylander has only gone 3+ games without recording a point twice this season and recently recorded a nine-game point streak.

Nylander’s point streak ended early last week against the Colorado Avalanche, but quickly found the scoresheet twice with two assists in their win over the New York Rangers last Thursday. A great secondary assist while taking a hit to make a play sprung John Tavares and Jake McCabe up the ice that led to an opening goal and followed that up with a primary assist on Matthew Knies’ 25th goal of the season, which ended up being the game-winner.

With five more points last week, the Calgary, Alberta native is up to 73 points in 70 games (38 goals and 35 assists). His 38 goals remain the second most in the NHL, 11 behind Leon Draisaitl’s league-leading 49. With 12 games to go in the season, Nylander is three goals away from setting a new career high in that department (41).

MATTHEW KNIES

Off the bench and let's it rip pic.twitter.com/bDxMq47WB4

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 21, 2025

2nd star: John Tavares​

Week 24 stats: 4 GP – 3 G – 2 A – 5 PTS

Season stats: 63 GP – 30 G – 31 A – 61 PTS

The ageless wonder: John Tavares. What a season it has been for the 16-year NHL veteran, who just recorded his seventh 30-goal season last week after another productive week on the scoresheet. Last year was a down year in the goal department for Tavares, who scored just 29 goals in 80 games following a 36-goal campaign the year prior in 80 games.

The production from the 34-year-old has been very welcoming, especially with the down year from Auston Matthews goal-scoring-wise. Tavares’ 30 goals rank second on the Maple Leafs behind William Nylander’s 38, and his 61 points rank fourth, only behind the big three, who are, yet again, leading the way in the counting stats.

Tavares began the month with four goals in his first four games but ran into a mini-slump, scoring just one in his next five games, including two last week. He ended that slump fast in their meeting against the Rangers, scoring two goals and adding an assist in their 4-3 win, followed by another tally against the Predators, which got the scoring started.

JOHN TAVARES

What a shot! pic.twitter.com/P0StJPYmwE

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 20, 2025

1st star: Auston Matthews​

Week 24 stats: 4 GP – 3 G – 3 A – 6 PTS

Season stats: 55 GP – 27 G – 36 A – 63 PTS

Although scoring hasn’t been as easy this season for Auston Matthews, he’s still producing at a pretty solid rate despite missing 15 games due to injury. He entered last week with 24 goals in 51 games, a goals-per-game average of 0.47, the lowest of his career. Fortunately, he found the back of the net three times last week to go along with three more assists, improving his goals-per-game average to 0.49 and goal total to 27.

Despite the goals not coming as frequently as everybody is used to, Matthews’ playmaking ability has been a treat to watch this season after another week showcasing that side of his game. With three more assists coming last week, two in their frustrating loss to the Predators, Matthews is up to 36 assists on the season in just 55 games – an assist-per-game average of 0.65, the highest of his career.

Following an excellent six-point week from the Maple Leafs captain, helping lead his team to a 3-1-0 record to keep pace with the Panthers, Matthews has now recorded 25 points (19 games) since February 1st. Nathan MacKinnon is the only player with more points than Matthews during that span (26 points in 18 games).

AUSTON MATTHEWS

Threw the puck on net and it went in off Toews pic.twitter.com/DRNn5KWZ6K

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 20, 2025

Who were your three stars of the week from week 24 of the Maple Leafs season? Let us know below!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-3-stars-matthews-tavares

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs sign top NCAA free agent Luke Haymes to 2-year entry level contract

The Toronto Maple Leafs have dipped into the NCAA free agent market once again, signing Dartmouth College centre Luke Haymes to a two-year entry level contract.

Haymes, 21, is currently in his junior season with Dartmouth and has 12 goals and 18 points in 22 games this season. He has 41 goals and 70 points in 83 total NCAA games with the program, earning NCAA All-Ivy League First Team honours in 2023-24 along with a New England all-star selection. The Maple Leafs were originally reported to have had interest in the 6-foot-1, 203-pound centre in late February, competing with the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers for his services.

Haymes is a big get for the Maple Leafs, who have a pretty thin crop up the middle in the farm system. He was ranked first in Elite Prospects’ NCAA free agency guide, with scouts marvelling over the maturity in his game compared to some of his counterparts. Below is a snippet from the article detailing his game.

“A goalscorer, Haymes brings both an NHL-calibre shot and scoring instincts. He racks up the high danger scoring chances by battling in front, and then spinning off and slipping inside for a high-skill deflection or in-tight finish. Off the rush, he’s always adjusting his routes and speed to stay open. One-timers, curl-and-drag shots, catch-and-release wristers – he does them all at high speed and under pressure.”

Haymes attended Maple Leafs development camp in 2023 before breaking out in his sophomore season, and given that was general manager Brad Treliving’s first summer with the organization, it’s likely Haymes left a good impression on them and gave them a leg up in their scouting reports on him. The move also helps the Maple Leafs recoup some of their centre depth in the farm system, especially after trading top prospect Fraser Minten to the Boston Bruins in a trade for defenceman Brandon Carlo.

The Leafs’ newest prospect will join the AHL’s Toronto Marlies for the remainder of the 2024-25 season and will look to fight for a roster spot next season if his first tryout goes well.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-sign-top-ncaa-luke-haymes-contract

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Leafs Prospect Roundup: Leafs sign NCAA free agents Haymes, Prokop, CHL playoffs set to begin

With the Toronto Maple Leafs routinely shipping out draft picks and prospects to improve their NHL roster year after year, they’re among the teams that have to get creative to keep their prospect pipeline well-stocked. General manager Brad Treliving got to work in that regard a couple of weeks ago, signing undrafted free agent forward Borya Valis out of the WHL, and the Leafs were busy again this past week with a pair of NCAA free agent signings in centre Luke Haymes of Dartmouth and defenceman John Prokop out of Union College. Both players will join the Marlies on amateur tryouts for the remainder of this season before their entry-level contracts with the Leafs kick in for the 2025-26 season.

Haymes, who attended Leafs development camp in 2023 before returning to college, was considered among the very best undrafted free agents available out of the NCAA this year. He went on to lead Dartmouth in scoring during the 2023-24 season with 18 goals and 18 assists in 31 games, and despite missing the start of this past season with a broken hand, he still managed 12 goals and six assists through 22 games as a junior.

This year’s top free agent, Luke Haymes, looks more like a well-developing NHL draft pick than a player available for free. Despite missing the start of the season with a broken hand, he’s been Dartmouth’s powerhouse down the middle, controlling the game at both ends of the rink, and bringing legitimate NHL upside.

– EliteProspects.com​

Haymes, 21, is a natural centre with pro habits and good size at 6’1″ and 192 pounds, landing the top spot on the Elite Prospects 2025 NCAA free agency guide. Haymes plays an inside-driven game, wreaking havoc around the opposing net with strong positioning and quick hands in tight. One of the most translatable parts of his game is his strength along the boards, where he is willing to finish his checks, use his body to protect pucks, and get pucks off the wall into the middle of the ice to create offensive opportunities for his team. More of a finisher than a distributor, Haymes can beat goaltenders from a distance with his heavy wrister, and he has started to show off more of his puck skills in one-on-one situations.

Defensively, Haymes works just as hard. He tracks back intelligently, picking up trailing players off the rush, and he engages down low in his own zone with physicality and an active stick. Haymes reads the play at a high level, disrupting passing lanes and identifying threats in a timely fashion. He may not possess the same upside as the recently departed Fraser Minten, but the archetype is similar, and Haymes is a nice addition for a Leafs system that is particularly thin down the middle.

Prokop will turn 24 years old in May, so he’s on the older side of players who could be considered prospects. So, what do the Leafs have in Prokop?

For starters, Prokop has a projectable NHL frame at 6’3″ and 190 pounds, and he has learned to use that size to be a more imposing defensive presence than he was when he started his collegiate career. He has been extremely productive over the last two seasons at Union College as well, leading his club in scoring with 35 points in 36 games during the 2023-24 season, and he was near the top of his team’s stat sheet again this past season, with 27 points in 36 games. While Prokop has decent mobility and looks comfortable carrying the puck or jumping into the rush, his offensive output stems more from quick reads than it does from dynamic skill. He can quarterback a power play with his ability to get shots through and distribute the puck from the point, but that role might not be there for him at the pro level.

Fortunately, Prokop has also showcased plenty of tools that could make him effective in his own end as well. He can mirror oncoming attackers well enough with his mobility and gap control, and he does a good job of using his body to box out around his own net. Prokop makes a habit of finishing his checks or sealing players off against the wall to help stop the cycle, and he can quickly turn things back up ice with a strong first pass.

#LeafsForever signed John Prokop to a 1-year ELC starting next season. Here are his notable points this season.

A late-blooming, 6-foot-3 defenseman. Averaged nearly 25 minutes with Union. Led the team in scoring as a freshman and sophomore. Exactly the type for a 1-year ELC… pic.twitter.com/cNIQCkSE3H

— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) March 20, 2025

At his age, Prokop will have a shorter runway than most other prospects, but the Leafs are hoping that also means he’s further along in his development than some of the younger blueliners in the system. Despite his offensive exploits in college, he projects as more of a shutdown defender who can move the puck on a third pair if he is able to adapt to the pace of the pro game. Prokop shouldn’t be considered a surefire NHLer by any means, but he was one of the top available defenders in a relatively shallow class of undrafted college free agents.

The Leafs have gotten off to a good start in the NCAA free agency period, and they might not be done just yet. They could still look to bolster their ranks up front with the likes of TJ Hughes of the Michigan Wolverines, Karsen Dorwart from the Michigan State Spartans, Ohio State’s Riley Thompson, and Jack Stockfish out of Holy Cross being the top names to watch for. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs nearly signed Dorwart a year ago, but he opted to return to school for another season, and they are expected to be one of his top suitors again this spring.

Dorwart’s squad is the number two seed in the NCAA tournament, and they are expected to make a run for the national title, which won’t take place until the middle of April. Dorwart can’t sign a professional contract until Michigan State’s season comes to an end one way or the other, while Hughes, Thompson, and Stockfish are all free to sign and begin their pro careers right now.

Notes from the rest of the prospect pool:​

• CHL regular seasons wrapped up over the weekend, and a handful of Leafs prospects are slated for playoff action. In the Ontario League, Easton Cowan and the London Knights will take on the Owen Sound Attack as they begin their pursuit of a second straight OHL championship, Ben Danford and the Oshawa Generals will face the Brampton Bulldogs, while Sam McCue and the Flint Firebirds will face off against the Kitchener Rangers. Out west, Noah Chadwick will lead the Lethbridge Hurricanes against the Brandon Wheat Kings, Miroslav Holinka and the Edmonton Oil Kings will match up with the Prince Albert Raiders, Nathan Mayes and the Spokane Chiefs will go up against the Vancouver Giants, and the newly signed Borya Valis’ Prince George Cougars will take on the Portland Winterhawks.
• After an impressive rookie season in the AHL, Topi Niemelä’s second season with the Marlies has been underwhelming. His role has been diminished at times, and so too has his production from the back end. Niemelä posted eight goals and 31 assists in 68 games as a rookie, but he didn’t have anything in the goal column before putting home an ugly one against the Belleville Senators this past Friday. For the season, Niemelä has registered 20 points in 55 games, and though he has stated his desire to continue playing in North America, his status with the Leafs moving forward feels like it’s up in the air.

IT'S TOPI TIME! pic.twitter.com/xIcFcuBDX7

— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) March 21, 2025

• Jacob Quillan stayed hot over the weekend, scoring in back-to-back games against Belleville. Thrust into a larger role following the trade that sent Fraser Minten to Boston, Quillan has taken full advantage of the opportunity and now has six goals to go along with a pair of helpers over his last nine games. With his first full season of pro hockey nearly in the books, Quillan has posted a respectable 15 goals and 15 assists through 56 games, all while being a reliable two-way presence down the middle. He might not have quite the same upside as the younger Minten, but Quillan looks like he has raised his floor as an NHL prospect, and he could factor into the Leafs’ plans next season.

Q FINISHES IT OFF ON THE ODD-MAN pic.twitter.com/3DEhqijWwa

— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) March 22, 2025

Statistics from EliteProspects.com

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-prospect-roundup-haymes-prokop-chl-playoffs

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Knee Jerk Reaction: McMann-Tavares-Nylander ball out in blowout win vs. Flyers

In the midst of all of the discourse surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs’ third line, the Leafs have found themselves a unit of a second line emerging ahead of the playoffs.

In the days following a win over the New York Rangers featuring seven combined points between the trio of Bobby McMann, John Tavares, and William Nylander, the group somehow improved on that effort and led the Leafs to a 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers thanks to nine combined points from the same line, and ten if you include Nylander’s power play goal. The final individual tallies were two goals and two assists for both Tavares and Nylander, and one of each from McMann.

The fact that he’s in a contract year probably helps, but Tavares turning back the clock is a hell of a success story for a guy who passed the captaincy to Auston Matthews following last season. His four-point affair against the Flyers puts him over the point-per-game park on the season, with 32 goals and 65 points in 64 games. Nylander, meanwhile, locked up his third straight 40-goal season with his two-goal performance, and McMann hit the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career.

Although McMann has been relatively streaky at points during the season, his success story is one for the ages. To go from an undrafted ECHL player at 24 years old to a 28-year-old 20-goal scorer in the NHL is quite the accomplishment, and not one many people likely saw coming. The Leafs missed him in the first round of last year’s playoffs, and although he probably wasn’t the sole missing piece to advancing past the first round, having him healthy this season will undoubtedly help their odds.

It’s also worth mentioning that Scott Laughton seems to be past the low-confidence, ‘trying-to-find-his-game’ stage of his Leafs tenure, and at this point, he just needs a bounce to go his way. He nearly had his first goal as a Leaf on Saturday in Nashville before it was disallowed, and he’s looked more engaged than ever over the past 3-4 games. His time to shine will undoubtedly come as we inch closer to the playoffs.

The Leafs will be back in action on Thursday night when they visit the San Jose Sharks.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/knee-jerk-reaction-mcmann-tavares-nylander-ball-blowout-flyers

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Bobby McMann’s teammates, coach commend him for journey to NHL after first 20-goal season

You’d be hard-pressed to find a cooler story on the Toronto Maple Leafs than Bobby McMann right now. The Maple Leafs originally brought him into the organization following the 2019-20 season, where he initially suited up for the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder as a 24-year-old. Fast forward to 2024-25, and the now-28-year-old just recorded his first 20-goal season in the NHL. For McMann to pull this off as an undrafted player is impressive enough on its own, but the fact that he did it in his mid-20s marks a career path that’s about as unique as it can get.

McMann has 20 goals and 13 points for 33 points in 63 games this season, and he’s recently found a home on the Leafs’ second line with John Tavares and William Nylander — the unit combined for 10 points in last night’s 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, with McMann providing one goal and one assist.

THAT MANN GOT 20!! pic.twitter.com/5SCH3CJbJi

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 26, 2025

Speaking to reporters after the game, Nylander commented on his respect for McMann taking the road less travelled.

“Yeah, he’s had an unbelievable path,” Nylander said. “Just stuck with it, just battled every night, and it seems to be paying off. He’s been playing great for us since he got called up here.”

John Tavares, who, along with Nylander, tallied two goals and two assists in Tuesday night’s win over Philadelphia, echoed his teammate’s sentiments about what McMann has been able to do with his tenure in the Leafs organization.

“We’re thrilled for Bobby [McMann] and what he’s become for us as a player,” Tavares said. “His impact not just on the scoresheet is obviously phenomenal, great accomplishment by him.”

Tavares went on to discuss the value of having a success story play out like that in the NHL and what it could mean for aspiring hockey players in similar situations.

“He can be counted on in so many different situations and make an impact for us, and his journey is a great one for a lot of young kids to learn from.” Tavares continued.

McMann was asked in the postgame scrum if there’s anything that he’s proud of, having worked on in his journey to the NHL that he’s seeing come to fruition. The easy answer would have been his goal-scoring ability, but he singled out his mental game as a key part of how he’s developed so quickly as a player.

“Yeah, I think my decision-making as far as when to carry the puck and when to try and dump the puck and get it back, I think that’s a skill that’s sometimes overlooked,” McMann said. “There’s guys that I’ve watched previously trying to break into the league who do that really well. Trying to make good reads on how to forecheck and get pucks back, when you play with good players, if you can get the puck on your team’s stick in the offensive zone, you’ll have a lot of success.”

One thing is for sure, McMann is making Craig Berube look like a genius for putting him with Tavares and Nylander. The Maple Leafs’ bench boss said that he thinks the line as a whole has gotten faster since McMann joined them.

“I think since putting Bobby on there, it just adds so much strength and speed to the line,” Berube said. “He’s a big, strong guy who can skate, seems like he’s always on the puck. Creates some battles for those guys, they get the puck and they can make plays. Johnny can score. So, they’ve been effective for us since we put them together. I’ve been happy with them.”

The Leafs will look to stay in the win column and pick up some revenge from the week of the trade deadline when they visit the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/bobby-mcmann-teammates-coach-journey-nhl-20-goal-season

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Dennis Bernstein thinks Mitch Marner could be a target for the LA Kings if he gets to July 1: Leafs Morning Take

The Toronto Maple Leafs needed a game like that SO bad.

They were so good that you almost forget that they surrendered the first goal of the game.

At any rate, David Pagnotta filled in for Jay Rosehill on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We kicked off the show by giving our initial thoughts on Toronto’s 7-2 beatdown of the Philadelphia Flyers. After that, we discussed the standings a bit. It was a tough night for the state of Pennsylvania as both the Flyers and Penguins were pumped by the Leafs and Bolts respectively.

Brought to you by Sobeys, we offered up a full game recap. The McMann-Tavares-Nylander line was electric combining for five goals and 10 points. Both Tavares and Nylander notched four-point nights (two goals, two helpers). Tavares, who has 10 goals in his past 13 outings, is now just 12 goals shy of 500 for his career. Meantime, Nylander hit the 40-goal plateau for the third straight season. Without question, he’s been Toronto’s best player this season. That contract’s looking mighty fine, folks.

Additionally, we talked about the suddenly red-hot PP. In fact, the Leafs currently own an NHL-best 42.9% PP in March. Wild stuff. Furthermore, Max Domi has been really good this month, too. Since the trade deadline, he’s tallied three goals and two assists while providing the Leafs with a perfect dose of speed and snarl. Laughton’s arrival seems to have woken him up.

After that, thanks to Charm Diamond Centres, The Fourth Period’s Dennis Bernstein dropped by the show. We discussed an assortment of things with the NHL Network Radio host. He weighed in on Toronto’s chances of playoff success, if the division title matters, and who he needs to step up for this team to do something substantial this spring. Lastly, he handicapped the chances of the Kings going after Mitch Marner if he gets to July 1. It was a fun chat.

The Leafs are headed to California. They’ll be in San Jose tomorrow night to tangle with the Sharks. Jay Rosehill will be back in the mix for the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Join us at 11 AM ET as we preview that one and the road trip—in general.

You can subscribe to TheLeafsNation (TLN) YouTube channel HERE. Additionally, we’re available in podcast form, too —wherever you get your podcasts. While you’re at it, be sure to leave us a 5-star review!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/den...kings-if-he-gets-to-july-1-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Nikita Grebenkin on trade to Flyers: ‘Go Leafs Go, it’s business!”

It looks like there are no hard feelings from Nikita Grebenkin after his trade to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The fan-favourite former Leafs prospect was part of the deal to acquire Scott Laughton that took place in the final hours before the deadline as speculation went wild about which players might be on their way out. Reflecting on it weeks later, the 21-year-old Russian skater says he understands it’s not personal.

“I [knew] 95% Leafs [would] traded me, and no surprise to me,” said Grebenkin, speaking to Mark Masters on TSN. “[Brad] Treliving tell me, Nikita, you nice guy but we made trade with you. I said, Brad, no problem. Go Leafs go! It’s business! Yeah, I don’t worry, really don’t worry.”

Grebenkin was drafted by the Leafs in the fifth round of the 2022 draft and made his way to North America from the KHL this season. He was called up for his NHL debut last year on November 20th against the Vegas Golden Knights, then playing a seven-game stint with the Leafs before being sent down to the Marlies. There, he put up 9 goals and 21 points in 39 games.

He quickly gained attention on social media after his first NHL game with a viral one-liner about what people were telling him ahead of his debut, saying it was all about “backcheck, forecheck, and paycheque.” The line boosted his popularity in-market and across the country as just the first sample of his upbeat and fun personality when dealing with media.

And while he acknowledges his gratitude to the people of Toronto for making him feel so loved, he added that he’s ready to be known for his game on the ice as well.

“Right now, I don’t play NHL long time,” he said. “People know me only for interview. I want that to change.”

Now, he’s hoping to make his way with the Flyers, a younger, grittier team still in the midst of finding its identity, especially after firing head coach John Tortorella on Thursday. Grebenkin is currently playing with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers’ AHL affiliate. As he works his way in this new organization, he has one resounding message for the city that got him started.

“I like Toronto, thank you Toronto, people, teammates,” he said. “The guys really helped me in starting my career in America.”

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/nikita-grebenkin-trade-flyers-toronto-maple-leafs

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Woll projected starter vs. Sharks, Holmberg expected to be healthy scratch for 2nd consecutive game

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll is expected to start Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks.

Woll has posted a 24-13-0 record in 37 appearances with a .907 save percentage. He has saved 13.4 goals above expected in all situations, the 17th-best total in the NHL, via MoneyPuck. During the final 11 games of the season, Woll and Stolarz are contesting for the playoff starter role.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is electing to use the same lines from Tuesday’s 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Bobby McMann, John Tavares and William Nylander have been on fire lately, and it seems likely that Berube will be using this combination in the playoffs, with the Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner line firmly entrenched.

“Since putting Bobby on there, it just adds so much speed and strength to the line,” Berube said of the McMann-Tavares-Nylander line following Tuesday’s win. “He is a big, strong guy who can skate. He seems like he is always on the puck. He creates battles for those guys. When they get the puck, they can obviously make plays; Johnny can score. They have been effective for us since we put them together. I have been happy with them.”

Pontus Holmberg is a projected scratch for the second consecutive game, last playing against the Nashville Predators on March 22. Holmberg has been used throughout the lineup, but McMann is a clearly better fit on the second line, while Calle Jarnkrok has effectively forced him out of the bottom-six, for now. Holmberg leads the Maple Leafs with 24 penalties drawn at 5-on-5, which is far and away the best total on the team. The 26-year-old has recorded six goals and 15 points in 58 games this season.

Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Sharks​

Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner

Bobby McMann-John Tavares-William Nylander

Scott Laughton-Max Domi-Nick Robertson

Steven Lorentz-David Kampf-Calle Jarnkrok

Jake McCabe-Chris Tanev

Morgan Rielly-Brandon Carlo

Simon Benoit-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Joseph Woll (projected starter)

Anthony Stolarz

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/jos...holmberg-healthy-scratch-2nd-consecutive-game

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Carter Hutton thinks Berube had every reason to call out Woll’s poor performance in San Jose: Leafs Morning Take

Big picture, it will be interesting to see if the two points the Leafs failed to pick up against the lowly San Jose Sharks this season ends up costing them the Atlantic Division title.

For the second time this month, San Jose beat them in a shootout. Wild stuff.

Carter Hutton filled in for Jay Rosehill on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We kicked off the show by giving our initial thoughts on the 6-5 shootout loss. After that, we dove into the Max Pacioretty story a bit. Prior to the game, Craig Berube was asked about the veteran forward and if he expects him to play in the post season. He said he was ‘pretty confident,’ which we’ve been consistent in saying on our show for the past month. Pacioretty’s fine. He’ll be back soon.

Then, we got into a full game recap. It was an ugly effort, especially for Joseph Woll, who was indirectly called out by his head coach. Naturally, I asked Hutts about what that’s like as a goalie. Personally, I think it’s a card you can’t use too much, but I do think last night was the right time. On a positive note, William Nylander scored twice to set a career high in goals. He’s been money in the bank this season. Additionally, Auston Matthews and John Tavares each tallied a goal and an assist. Scott Laughton scored his first with his new team, which was great to see. Toronto’s power play stayed hot, too, going 2-for-4. They’re now an NHL best 14-for-32 in March.

After that, courtesy GRETA BAR YYZ, former Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle dropped by. That said, the audio and video connection wasn’t great, so just be mindful of that when you go and check it out. It was a great time to get Randy on, especially after Berube’s testy comments in the media last night. We talked to Carlyle about that, and picking your spots when you call a player out.

Lastly, we previewed this weekend’s back-to-back in Los Angeles and Anaheim. Would it surprise anyone if the Leafs went into Los Angeles and won? The Kings are currently on a franchise best 15 game home point streak. That’s about to get snapped on Saturday night. We all know it.

Jay Rosehill will be back in the mix on Monday. Join us at 11 AM ET for a full breakdown of this weekend’s action. Also, we’ll start to get ready for the big showdown with Florida next Wednesday.

You can subscribe to TheLeafsNation (TLN) YouTube channel HERE. Additionally, we’re available in podcast form, too —wherever you get your podcasts. While you’re at it, be sure to leave us a 5-star review!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/car...or-performance-in-san-jose-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Matthews, Marner excused from Leafs’ practice due to workload, Holmberg will return vs. Kings

Following a 6-5 loss to the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs star forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were both excused from practice, due to their heavy workload.

Matthews and Marner both logged over 25 minutes in Thursday’s game, as the Maple Leafs sent the contest to a shootout, before faltering against the last-ranked Sharks. Both players were used in all situations, and the Maple Leafs are likely trying to manage their minutes during the stretch run, with 10 games remaining in the regular season. Matthew Knies was a regular participant in Friday’s session.

Maple Leafs assistant coach Lane Lambert ran Friday’s practice, instead of Craig Berube. It’s unclear at the time of this filing why Berube took the day off, but it could be for maintenance reasons as well.

Matthews has recorded 28 goals and 66 points in 57 games this season. He’s been fighting through a lingering upper-body injury, which held him out of 15 games this season, but he appears to be rounding into top form as the playoffs are on the horizon.

Marner has recorded 22 goals and 89 points in 71 games, ranking sixth in NHL scoring. He’s operated as Toronto’s most valuable player this season, while playing in the final year of his existing contract.

Knies-Matthews-Marner are Toronto’s most-commonly used unit at 5-on-5 by far, and it doesn’t appear that Berube has any intention of breaking this line up before the playoffs, while Bobby McMann, John Tavares and William Nylander seem to be forming an iron-clad second line.

Pontus Holmberg will re-enter the lineup after missing the past two games as a healthy scratch, Berube confirmed via Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. Holmberg has recorded six goals and 15 points in 58 games this season, playing throughout the lineup in different roles. Berube wouldn’t confirm which player Holmberg would replace, but it appears that he’ll likely be placed on the fourth line during Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.

Berube also did not confirm who will start in goal Saturday. Joseph Woll submitted a poor performance during Thursday’s loss to the Sharks and Berube did not exempt him from criticism. Woll and Stolarz are each expected to get a start during the back-to-back, as the Maple Leafs face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/mat...leafs-practice-workload-holmberg-return-kings

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Joseph Woll isn’t lingering on poor start, takes accountability after loss to Sharks

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll wasn’t exempt from criticism following Thursday’s 6-5 loss to the San Jose Sharks, and he took responsibility for an atypically poor performance, following Friday’s practice.

Woll allowed five goals on 35 shots, and made a major blunder in the second period, firing a wayward pass off Sharks forward William Eklund, that ricocheted into the Leafs’ net. Toronto rallied in the final minute of regulation, as John Tavares and William Nylander scored to force overtime, but couldn’t pull off the victory in a shootout.

“Reflecting on myself as an individual, I don’t think it was my best performance,” Woll said Friday. “I know that. I think the important thing is to have a short memory and to look back and find things, and I’ll do that. I’ll do the work of making sure from the experience as best as I can. From a team standpoint, I thought it was pretty awesome by the guys for them to come back and score two late ones like that, it was pretty cool to see them pick up the slack for me like that.”

Eklund’s goal was a true blooper and most reasonable people would write it off as anomaly. Woll emphasized the importance of letting the moment go, as the season marches on.

William Eklund scores by accident pic.twitter.com/e147njC1zS

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 28, 2025

“Just a bad play. Sometimes you make bad plays. I was looking up ice. My brain turned off for a second, and it’s unfortunate,” Woll said.

“Once something like that happens, you have to do your best to put it behind you. There’s no point in lingering on it.”

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube did not declare his starter Friday, so at the time of this filing, it’s unclear whether Woll or Anthony Stolarz will play against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday. Toronto concludes its road trip against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

Woll and Stolarz are still auditioning for the playoff starter role, with 10 games remaining in the regular season. Woll has posted a 24-13-1 record in 38 appearances, with a .905 save percentage, while saving 11.1 goals above expected in all situations via MoneyPuck. Stolarz has recorded a 15-8-3 mark with a .917 save percentage and 14.2 goals saved above expected.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/joseph-woll-isnt-lingering-poor-start-accountability-loss-sharks

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Knee Jerk Reaction: Special teams make the difference in an otherwise flat performance from the Leafs

The first forty minutes of the Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Los Angeles Kings produced some of the most unremarkable hockey seen in a long time. It’s not that they didn’t have their looks. It’s not that the Kings didn’t have theirs. The Brandon Carlo-Jeff Malott fight was entertaining but not enough that the narrative wasn’t about the lack of intensity from the Leafs in the spring.

The third period shifted some of that narrative, thanks to an Auston Matthews shorthanded goal after being found not guilty of a phantom high stick, and John Tavares with the finisher on a four on three powerplay to give the Leafs a 2-1 lead. Tavares then added an empty netter, which moved him into 50th on the all-time goal scoring list, to end the game 3-1 for the Leafs.

The decision to use Matthews and Marner as penalty killers has been a heavily debated one this season and with the arrival of Scott Laughton meant to provide the Leafs’ stars with rest during the penalty kill, using Matthews and Mitch Marner, especially together was a bold choice that clearly paid off. And one that makes sense against the Kings, which doesn’t have much speed on the powerplay. Creating an odd man rush and the then being able to pin offensively minded players in their own zone while they were supposed to be enjoying the advantage is one that won’t work against every opponent but makes sense against the Kings. I’m not sure if it is a lock against the Lightning or Panthers, but is one worth looking at against the Senators, and certainly has situational merit like if you are down by one heading into the third.

As for the Tavares goal, it was the Leafs powerplay working the way it should. The skill of players like Marner and Morgan Rielly when it comes to moving the puck combined with Matthews’ ability to create chaos even when the puck doesn’t go in, along with Tavares’ strength in front of the net is what the Leafs will need to keep clicking over the next couple of months.

In a game where the Leafs were held scoreless 5v5 and throughout the first two periods there are obviously some concerns that stick out. Simon Benoit is increasingly looking like a playoff loose end, and whether it is Toronto finding a way to lean more heavily on their top five defencemen or whether it is time to try Oliver Ekman-Larsson with another partner will be a decision that Craig Berube will have to make before the playoffs start.

The fact that Max Domi is still making questionable decisions and got caught in a panic against Anze Kopitar is another argument in the case for heavily sheltering the Leafs forward.

At the end of the day, a win is a win and with the Maple Leafs at it again tomorrow night against the Ducks there is a good opportunity to take four points out of a back-to-back, something they need since they only have a one point lead over the Panthers for first in the Atlantic, and Florida has a game at hand.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/kne...therwise-flat-performance-toronto-maple-leafs

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

NHL Notebook: Draisaitl hits 50 goals, Kucherov enters tie for NHL scoring lead

Welcome to another edition of NHL Notebook, where we examine current events across the league!

It was a busy slate of games across the board, with the league scoring race and playoff picture coming into greater focus following Saturday’s contests. Let’s get right into it!

Leon Draisaitl leads Oilers to overtime victory, scores 50th and 51st goal​

Leon Draisaitl is running away with the Rocket Richard this season, with due apologies to William Nylander. Draisaitl returned to action after missing four games due to injury and was no worse for wearing, scoring twice, including the overtime winner in a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Here is Draisatil’s 51st goal of the season:

LEON DRAISAITL WINS IT IN OVERTIME!

GOOD NIGHT, CALGARY!

: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/QLCW9gShjj

— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) March 30, 2025

Draisaitl also set a single-season record with his sixth overtime goal, per Sportsnet.

It’s the fourth time Draisaitl has reached the 50-goal mark in his career and he currently sports a nine-goal lead over Nylander for the Rocket Richard. Draisaitl ranks third in NHL scoring with 104 points and despite the four-game absence, he’s a leading contender to win the Hart Trophy for the second time in his career. And with the Oilers firmly fighting to maintain a narrow lead in the playoff race, Draisaitl’s return couldn’t have come a better time.

Nikita Kucherov enters tie for NHL scoring lead​

Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov is also pushing for his second Hart Trophy. Kucherov has been in outstanding form all season, which has become a national talking point again, as he’s recorded 11 points in his past three games. The dynamic winger led the Lightning to a 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders, with a goal and four points. He’s been in all-world form as of late, perhaps sending a warning shot to the rest of the league that the dynasty may be back on.

Heck of a shot from Nikita Kucherov for his 33rd goal of the year, Lightning strike first!#GoBolts pic.twitter.com/TGedL31X20

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 29, 2025

Kucherov is now tied with Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL’s scoring lead with 109 points each. Tampa Bay is on a three-game winning streak, led by Kucherov’s outstanding play and it is pushing for the Atlantic Division lead, currently one point back of the Toronto Maple Leafs. We’ll be monitoring the Floridian teams closely down the final stretch of the season, and it’s pretty easy to get caught watching Kucherov’s highlights on repeat.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/nhl-notebook-draisaitl-50-goals-kucherov-tie-scoring-lead

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Knee Jerk Reaction: Maple Leafs collect 5 of 6 points in California, extend division lead to 3 points

The Toronto Maple Leafs wrapped up their California road trip with five of six possible points following a shootout loss in San Jose on Thursday, a win in Los Angeles on Saturday, and a 3-2 win on Sunday over the Anaheim Ducks.

Although the Leafs would have clinched a playoff spot if the Florida Panthers beat the Montreal Canadiens earlier in the day, it was somewhat of a win-win situation because the Panthers’ loss allowed them to extend their lead to three points for the division lead. Max Domi opened the scoring with a highlight reel third line goal, Mitch Marner scored the second with one of his own, and Steven Lorentz scored the game-winner just over halfway into the third period.

The biggest games are yet to come for the Leafs, with two more games against the Panthers and one more against the Lightning coming up in the month of April, but at this stage of the season with a playoff race as tight as this one, stockpiling as many points as you can is imperative to your success. The Leafs haven’t held the division lead this late in the season since the 2020-21 COVID season, and although they didn’t do anything with the favourable seeding, locking up home ice advantage will be a crucial leg up to have, especially if they end up playing one of the Florida teams.

Joseph Woll bounced back nicely after what was likely one of the worst games of his career to date against the San Jose Sharks, stopping 28 of 30 shots for the win, and Scott Laughton continues to look more comfortable as the games keep coming and going. He collected a secondary assist on the Domi goal and has looked more involved in the play night after night, despite a slow start offensively and some early concerns due to how much the Leafs paid up to acquire him. Extra props go to the Leafs’ defensive stalwart trio of Chris Tanev, Jake McCabe, and Brandon Carlo for blocking a combined 13 shots in the game, many of which came on the Ducks’ four power plays and at the end of the game when the opposing net was empty.

The Leafs will be back in action for one of the biggest games of the season to date when they host the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/knee-jerk-reaction-toronto-maple-leafs-california-division-lead

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Max Domi is playing his best hockey at the most important time of the year: Leafs Morning Take

Following an ugly shootout loss in San Jose, the Leafs responded accordingly over the weekend in Southern California.

First, they went into Los Angeles and beat a red-hot Kings squad 3-1. Then, they finished off the sweep of the back-to-back with a 3-2 win in Anaheim.

Just like that, Toronto owns a three point lead for first in the Atlantic Division on the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

We kicked off the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take by dissecting the standings. With less than 10 games remaining, there’s still so many different scenarios to play out. If the season ended today, the Leafs would play Ottawa. The Battle of Ontario returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs would be utter insanity. Meantime, I had Rosey react to Niko Mikkola’s unnecessary clapper at the buzzer on Sunday afternoon in the Cats/Canadiens game. It set the Habs off, and rightfully so. We had a chuckle about that.

After that, we got into a full weekend recap. Toronto grabbed five of a possible six points in California (2-0-1). Additionally, they improved to 31-1-1 when leading after two this season. Also, they finished 11-3-2 vs. the Pacific Division in 2024-25. Joseph Woll made 28 saves in the win over Anaheim. All in all, it was a solid bounce-back effort after he was indirectly called out by Craig Berube following the San Jose game. In general, we had a lengthy chat about the crease. We have faith in both guys with the playoff just around the corner. Over and above all that, we broke down the shoddy officiating on Sunday and the two high-stick challenges. We thought they got very fortunate on the Matthews goal that stood. You win some, you lose some.

It was a strong weekend for the bottom six. Max Domi scored a beauty against the Ducks and it was great to see Steven Lorentz chip in with his fourth game winning goal of the season. Lastly, I had Rosey break down Brandon Carlo’s first scrap as a Leaf. Unknowingly, he dropped the gloves with Los Angeles’ Jeff Malott, who’s the younger brother of UFC fighter Mike Malott. He held his own. Kudos to Carlo! That’s 11 different Leafs (and counting) with a registered fighting major under Berube.

The Leafs are back home and prepping for another big one with Florida on Wednesday night. Join us for the Tuesday edition at 11 AM ET as we begin to tee that one up.

You can subscribe to TheLeafsNation (TLN) YouTube channel HERE. Additionally, we’re available in podcast form, too —wherever you get your podcasts. While you’re at it, be sure to leave us a 5-star review!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/max...important-time-of-the-year-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Checking in on 5 former Maple Leafs: Samsonov bounces back, Brodie stays a consistent healthy scratch

The 2024-25 NHL regular season is winding down, which means we’re entering the final month of the season before the playoffs get underway. But before we get into postseason hockey, let’s review five former Toronto Maple Leafs and their play this past month.

1. Tyler Bertuzzi – Chicago Blackhawks​

Contract: 4-year, $22 million ($5.5M AAV)

March stats: 15 GP – 3 G – 7 A – 10 PTS

Season stats: 74 GP – 20 G – 21 A – 41 PTS

Tyler Bertuzzi’s first season as a Chicago Blackhawk has been a season of many parts. He came out of the gates slow, scoring just five goals and recording ten points in the first 23 games. He rebounded in the following 24 games, scoring 12 goals and recording 17 points, but his last 27 games have been challenging.

Fortunately, his counting stats were better this past month despite scoring just three goals. In 15 games last month, Bertuzzi found the back of the net three times and added seven assists for ten points, ultimately passing the 40-point mark this season for the fifth time in his career.

The Sudbury, Ontario native is now just one goal shy (21) and two points shy (43) from matching the total he had with the Maple Leafs last season in 80 games.

2. Ilya Samsonov – Vegas Golden Knights​

Contract: 1-year, $1.8 million

March stats: 4 GP – 2-1-1 – 2.01 GAA – .922 SV% – 1 SO

Season stats: 28 GP – 16-9-3 – 2.78 GAA – .892 SV% – 2 SO

February was a struggle for Ilya Samsonov, who started just four games. Despite limited action, the former Maple Leafs goaltender had trouble stopping the puck, allowing 15 goals, including five on two occasions to end the month. Suddenly, Samsonov’s save percentage, which was at .899 entering February, dropped to .887 after four tough outings as he entered March.

The following month was a lot nicer for the 28-year-old. Samsonov started four games once again, with Adin Hill seemingly the starter, and unlike February when he allowed 15 goals, he allowed just eight in those four games, including a 22-save shutout in his first game of the month.

He followed up that shutout against the Penguins with a challenging game in Pittsburgh, allowing three goals on 17 shots. The Magnitogorsk native would then face the Red Wings, stopping 24 of 27 shots and the Lightning, stopping 35 of 37 shots, giving him a save percentage of .922 in March.

3. T.J. Brodie – Chicago Blackhawks​

Contract: 2-year, $7.5 million ($3.75 M AAV)

March stats: 1 GP – 0 G – 1 A – 1 PTS

Season stats: 54 GP – 2 G – 8 A – 10 PTS

It’s been a season to forget for both T.J. Brodie and the Chicago Blackhawks after both sides agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract in the offseason. Brodie was among multiple moves the organization made in hopes of taking a step forward this season after another miserable year last season. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks remain at the very bottom of the NHL standings, but the future does look bright with the young talent arriving in Chicago.

Brodie, 34, has struggled mightily this season. It doesn’t come as a total surprise, given his play started to decline toward the end of the 2022-23 season with the Maple Leafs. It has gotten to a point where the Blackhawks have made the Chatham, Ontario native a consistent healthy scratch this month in favour of playing their younger players.

The former Maple Leaf got into just one contest in March, a game against the Anaheim Ducks, where the Blackhawks picked up a 6-3 win. Brodie recorded an assist and was a plus-two.

4. Joel Edmundson – Los Angeles Kings​

Contract: 4-year, $15.2 million ($3.8M AAV)

March stats: 16 GP – 1 G – 4 A – 5 PTS

Season stats: 69 GP – 6 G – 13 A – 19 PTS

The contract Joel Edmundson got this past offseason from the Los Angeles Kings may have shocked some people, given the term and the dollar amount. But through 69 games, Edmundson is having arguably his best season offensively on a Kings team known for their stingy defence.

The veteran entered March with 14 points in 53 games (five goals and nine assists) and proceeded to record another five points in 16 games this past month, tying the most points recorded in a single month this season (October, three goals and two assists).

Suddenly, Edmundson is up to 19 points in 69 games and is one point shy from tying his career-high in points set back during the 2019-20 season with the Carolina Hurricanes (20 points in 68 games).

5. Timothy Liljegren – San Jose Sharks​

March stats: 13 GP – 2 G – 3 A – 5 PTS

Season stats: 59 GP – 6 G – 8 A – 14 PTS

Like T.J. Brodie, another former Maple Leaf defenceman has changed teams and is on one of the worst teams in the league. The difference, however, between the two players is that Timothy Liljegren is nearly ten years younger. A change of scenery was an option in hopes of the Kristianstad native truly finding his game because he wasn’t getting consistent playing time in Toronto.

Liljegren isn’t having the best season of his career points-wise, with 14 points (six goals and eight assists) in 59 games compared to his other years in Toronto, but the 25-year-old remains the leader in a handful of advanced stats among Sharks blue-liners, such as on-ice expected goals % (49.5%) and on-ice shot attempt (Corsi) % (49%), according to Moneypuck.com.

In 13 games last month, he scored another two goals and added three assists for five points, including a two-assist night against his former team on March 27th. Liljegren, as mentioned, is up to six goals, which ties a career-high set during the 2022-23 season.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/checking-in-5-former-toronto-maple-leafs-samsonov-brodie

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs’ John Tavares named NHL’s second star for March

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was named the NHL’s Second Star for March. Tavares finished ahead of St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington and behind Vegas Golden Knights centre Jack Eichel.

Jack Eichel, John Tavares and Jordan Binnington have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of March presented by GEICO.#NHLStats: https://t.co/VIARokLrCk pic.twitter.com/A07ysorPht

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 1, 2025

Tavares led all players in March with 13 goals in 15 games played, which is also the most goals by an NHL player in any calendar month this season. Additionally, Tavares became only the second player to have a five-game goal streak aged 34 and older after Mats Sundin did the same in April 2006.

It has been a stellar season for the ageless wonder who has remained productive even as he enters the latter stages of his career. Tavares has recorded 69 points (35 goals and 34 assists) through 67 games played, along with being seventh in the NHL in faceoff wins with 687 and among the highest faceoff win percentages with an impressive 58 percent.

He has shown that he is not ready to slow down anytime soon and will once again be a key part of the Leafs’ success if they wish to go on a lengthy playoff run. It certainly helps that this is happening in a contract year with so much uncertainty beyond this season, but Tavares does not want to be anywhere else after this campaign is over.

“I certainly would love to get it done. I mean, obviously the club has a lot going on. It’s not just about me,” Tavares said about his expiring contract on February 25. “I know management will do what they have to do at that time of year and whatnot. So, if we have the opportunity to get it done, I’d love to do that. If not, when that time comes, we’ll get there. So, just looking forward to continuing my journey here as a Leaf — and obviously want it to continue past this season.”

In a season where he has already reached major milestones such as the 1100-point mark, this honour adds another feather to his cap. If he keeps up his strong play, perhaps Tavares can also hit the 500-goal mark before the end of the regular season, given he is currently nine away.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-john-tavares-nhl-second-star-march

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Hakanpaa might be getting healthy but path to the lineup seems impossible for regular season

It seems like an April Fool’s joke to say that Jani Hakanpaa participated in Toronto Maple Leafs practice on April 1st. The bizarre free agent signing of a giant defenceman who looked to be out with a career ending injury resulted in an incredibly delayed signing followed by the defenceman playing in just two games for the Leafs to date.

Hakanpaa’s improving status coincides with a growing sentiment that Simon Benoit is not going to cut it on the blueline come playoff time. Of course, suggesting that a defenceman who has played in just two games and has familiarity with the Leafs’ personnel or systems on ice requires a bit of brake pumping if you were indeed feeling optimistic about Hakanpaa as well, but there is no questioning the allure of the mystery box in this scenario and having Hakanpaa as an option for the playoffs doesn’t hurt the Leafs, so the question becomes, how do the Leafs integrate him in the remaining two and a half weeks of regular season?

The first step would be a conditioning stint with the Marlies. Ideally the shorter the better given that the Maple Leafs can’t waste any time in getting Hakanpaa into their lineup. If nothing else, it allows them to see where he’s at when it comes to keeping up to play and whether this is an option for the Leafs to consider or whether they will just be riding out the remaining days of his contract. There aren’t any hurdles with this part of the rehabilitation process.

The obvious hurdle in getting both Hakanpaa and Max Pacioretty back into the lineup is the salary cap and finding $2.3M. The Leafs are healthy beyond those two players at the moment and the only waivers exempt player on the roster is Matthew Knies, who the Leafs aren’t scratching and demoting. If the Leafs were to toy with the idea of waiving someone to get Hakanpaa into the lineup, they would be taking a gamble that there isn’t a team out there wanting to hurt their depth by claiming the waived player, not to mention that it would likely require two players being demoted to fit Hakanpaa into the lineup. In theory that is Philippe Myers along with either Calle Jarnkrok or Simon Benoit. None of this is likely to happen.

It seems the only real path to playing for the Leafs would come with a long term injury somewhere else in the Leafs lineup and this is not something anyone is hoping for and that leaves the reality of Hakanpaa’s return to be driven by practicing as much with the Leafs right now and timing his Marlies conditioning stint to get him in as many AHL games as possible at the end of the season.

Having Hakanpaa practice with the Leafs now at least gets him back to working with the team and potentially building some familiarity with the defencemen he needs to work with: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Benoit, etc. His role and positioning can be established and given that he is hardwired to be a safe, stay-at-home option that doesn’t let the play get behind him, the Leafs might not need to worry about the understanding of the role, just finding out if he can fit with a potential partner.

Any time that Hakanpaa spends with the Marlies should probably be spent working with the potential playoff black aces or likely first callups like Marshall Rifai and Dakota Mermis. It’s a chance to establish some expectations for the closest thing to NHL bottom pairing and throw them against the best competition available in the AHL as much as possible with the hope that it can at least mirror the NHL bottom six competition that Hakanpaa would likely be exposed to as a third pairing defenceman.

Hakanpaa’s return to the NHL following that probably makes him a long shot for being used in the playoffs by the Leafs aside from being a last resort but the one option that at least deserves some passing consideration is the possibility of using 11 forwards and 7 defencemen. Dropping a limited usage forward and relying on situational and sheltered play has some merit, as well, although the Leafs haven’t reached game 82 and signs of fatigue are already showing, but that same fatigue is showing in the defence and carrying an extra defenceman, especially one that can pull one of the top four blueliners off the penalty kill starts showing some merit and could be a practical use of resources.

For any of this to happen Craig Berube would have to see something he likes from Hakanpaa in the limited exposure he’ll get in the coming days and there will need to be a loss of faith in his bottom pairing options of Ekman-Larssson, Benoit, and Myers, and given that both Myers and Benoit have been averaging over 16 minutes a night this season, and OEL has had over 20 minutes of ice time in 9 of the 12 games since the trade deadline, there simply isn’t room for Hakanpaa until desperation sets in.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/jani-hakanpaa-getting-healthy-path-lineup-impossible-regular-season

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Bobby McMann outlines the challenges presented by Brad Marchand ahead of key Panthers matchup

Another major test is coming, as the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. After practice Wednesday morning, Leafs forward Bobby McMann spoke to media about the big match in store.

“Yeah, definitely a big one,” McMann said. “Something that, it’s gonna be a big determiner of where we land in the standings. Obviously it’s tight. And you never know who you’re going to see down the road, so it’s good.”

Toronto currently leads the Atlantic Division with 94 points, directly followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning with 93, then the Panthers who have 92. All three teams have eight games remaining. With the standings this tight, first place is anyone’s for the taking, and with that in mind, either of the Florida teams could very well be Toronto’s first round opponent in the playoffs.

When it comes to the particulars of the standings, that’s not where the team’s focus is. Asked what it would mean to secure at least a point in this contest, McMann acknowledged the importance, but said the focus is on a bigger goal.

“Yeah, I think that’d be cool, it’d be nice to lock that in,” McMann said. “But I think we’re just trying to get our game to the point where details and everything are going to be the best they can be going into playoffs, I think that’s the goal.”

While Berube has been experimenting with the bottom-six, especially following the trade deadline, McMann has been a key part of a consistent second line recently for the Leafs, playing alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. The three have combined for 32 points over the last 10 games — 24 when excluding power play points, where McMann plays on the second unit.

In the March 13 matchup against the Panthers, Calle Järnkrok played alongside Tavares and Nylander, with each of them registering a point in the 3-2 loss. But with Florida’s second line now featuring Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, McMann brings some necessary physicality in combatting those pesky players, and the 6’2″, 215 lb. forward says he’s ready for the challenge.

“I think they’re both really good players,” McMann said. “They play hard, they play an in-your-face type of game. For us, I think it’s just initiating. Making sure we’re taking it to them. Rather than letting them dictate anything, we’re gonna be the ones initiating.”

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/bob...sented-brad-marchand-florida-panthers-matchup

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Mitch Marner, Matthew Knies say that Anthony Stolarz’s ‘ruthless’ style of goaltending is a big advantage

Just like it’s been on so many other occasions in the current Toronto Maple Leafs era, the goaltending situation was a big question mark heading into the 2024-25 season. Joseph Woll had just signed a three-year extension and had shown signs of promise in the playoffs, albeit he had well-documented durability issues. Anthony Stolarz signed a two-year contract with the team after serving as the Florida Panthers’ backup, but like Woll, he didn’t have experience taking on the workload of a full-time starter.

Now that we’re in the month of April, it’s safe to say that, at least from a regular season perspective, the gamble has paid off. Stolarz has a record of 17-8-3 with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.34 and a save percentage (SV%) of .920. Meanwhile, Woll has a record of 25-13-1 with a GAA of 2.78 and a SV% of .906, which is pretty much all the Leafs could have asked for from either goaltender. While it’s technically up in the air who starts Game 1 of the playoffs, it’s fair to suggest that Stolarz currently has the edge, indicated by the fact that head coach Craig Berube started him for arguably the biggest game of the season against a potential playoff opponent in the Florida Panthers.

The gamble paid off, with Stolarz stopping 29 of 31 shots en route to a 3-2 Leafs win, punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the ninth year in a row. Mitch Marner, who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, said that the 6-foot-6 goaltender is one of the loudest he’s ever played with, which is a good thing.

“I think he’s one of the most vocal goalies I’ve ever had, which is great,” Marner said of Stolarz. “He lets you know where guys are on the ice, penalty kill, even strength wise, that’s what you want from your goalie, you want him to be letting you know where guys are. Obviously, he can handle the puck very well, you’re comfortable when he gets it on his stick that he can make a play. So, yeah, he’s been great for us all year.”

Matthew Knies, who scored the game-winning goal after a perfect stretch pass from Marner, echoed his teammates’ statements on his goaltender.

“I think he’s kind of ruthless back there,” Knies said with a smirk. “He gets screaming and yelling at us, but I think it just makes him play better. He’s extremely motivated and wants to win really bad.”

Although the Leafs have gotten overall decent goaltending in the playoffs, the issue has always been the timely save. Jack Campbell put up a playoff save percentage above .930 back in the North Division season, but it all went down the drain when he allowed a weak five-hole goal to Brendan Gallagher in Game 7 of that series. Stolarz has shown at times this season that he’s human, but the fact that he’s been able to get his save percentage to .920 at this point in the season is an encouraging sign and one that leaves you believing he’ll be comfortable making that crucial save if he needs to.

John Tavares said much the same of Stolarz, noting the difference between his laid-back personality off the ice and his captain-like tendencies on the ice.

“He’s got a little bit of a laid-back personality, but his intensity once he puts those pads on is pretty incredible,” Tavares said before listing off a grocery list of his goaltender’s best traits. “The way he’s barking and talking out there, into the game, the competitiveness, the way he fights for pucks. Obviously, the athleticism, he’s a big guy, how much he challenges shooters and how much he enjoys the battle, urges his teammates on. He’s been phenomenal all year.”

The Maple Leafs will be back in action on Saturday when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets, but at this point, everybody’s got their sights set on the playoffs, Stolarz at the forefront of it.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/marner-knies-anthony-stolarz-ruthless-goaltending-big-advantage