Could this be the season that the Leafs end decades of hurt? David Alter argues that the early signs are promising.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been remarkable this season, showing resilience and depth even without their top player in the lineup. Recently, the team announced that No. 34, would be out due to an upper-body injury, eventually placing him on injured reserve and ensuring he would miss a minimum of three games. Despite this setback, the Leafs have maintained their competitive edge and, in some ways, have even thrived, demonstrating the strength of their roster.
One area where the Leafs have particularly excelled during his absence is on the power play. At the beginning of November, Toronto’s power play was struggling, ranking last in the league. This was a concerning statistic for a team with such offensive firepower. However, over the course of three critical games against division rivals—the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens from November 5 to November 9—the Leafs’ power play roared back to life. During these three games, Toronto capitalized on seven out of 13 power-play opportunities, showing incredible efficiency and resilience. This turnaround has lifted their power-play ranking and, more importantly, has reignited confidence in the team’s ability to capitalize with the man advantage.
The Leafs’ other stars have stepped up to fill the gap. Mitch Marner, for example, has been exceptional. Across those three games, Marner recorded two goals and four assists, registering two points in each contest and extending his point streak to eight games. Marner’s ability to adapt and take on a leadership role has been invaluable for the Leafs. His dynamic playmaking and creativity on the ice have been pivotal in keeping the team’s momentum going, reminding fans and management alike of his immense value to the team.
William Nylander has also been a key contributor, scoring two goals and adding three assists during this three-game stretch. Nylander’s offensive prowess and consistency have made him one of Toronto’s most reliable forwards, and his contributions have been crucial. His ability to maintain composure and execute plays under pressure has kept the Leafs competitive in each game, showcasing his growth and maturity as a player this season.
John Tavares, known for his leadership and clutch performances, has added three goals in this stretch, continuing to demonstrate why he remains such an integral part of the team. Tavares’ experience and presence on the ice have been crucial. His performance has been steady and reliable, providing the stability that the Leafs need, especially in close games and high-pressure situations.
The collective effort from Toronto’s core players speaks volumes about the team’s depth and versatility. It’s not just the stars, though—role players and depth forwards have also risen to the occasion, creating a balanced and cohesive unit. This balanced effort has given the Leafs a competitive edge and confidence that they can perform well, even if injuries affect their top players.
Marner’s stellar performances have once again sparked discussions about his contract situation. The star winger is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and his future with the team is a topic of intense debate. Coach Craig Berube’s system, which emphasizes hard defense and structure, has been a good fit for Marner, who has shown an ability to adjust to the often-cited “boring” but effective style. However, whether this is enough to earn Marner a contract extension remains uncertain. Toronto’s management may hold off on making a decision until they see Marner’s performance in the playoffs, where his value to the team can be truly tested.
Beyond individual performances, the Leafs’ defensive game has also seen improvements under Berube’s guidance. Known for his emphasis on structure and defense, Berube has helped Toronto tighten up their play in their own end, which has translated into fewer goals against and a more disciplined approach overall. This shift has not only helped in their recent games but has laid a foundation that could benefit them as they progress deeper into the season and potentially the playoffs.
The Leafs’ strong showing without their top player is a promising sign for a team that has struggled with playoff consistency in recent years. This resilience could be an indication of a more mature and balanced Toronto team, one that is better equipped to handle adversity and maintain competitiveness regardless of injuries. With No. 34 expected to return soon, the Leafs are in a good position to build on their recent success and continue pushing towards their ultimate goal—a deep playoff run and a Stanley Cup. As the season progresses, the Maple Leafs will be looking to maintain this momentum, ensure a healthy lineup, and make strategic decisions regarding their key players, particularly Marner. This season, more than ever, the Leafs seem poised to overcome their past struggles and make a meaningful impact. With a balanced roster, effective coaching, and strong leadership from players like Marner, Nylander, and Tavares, Toronto fans have every reason to be optimistic.