Toronto Maple Leafs Season Preview

The Toronto Maple Leafs clinched their division in the unprecedented season. They failed to exit the first round after falling victim to a Canadian comeback. Losing their captain, Tavares, to a head injury mid round. Unable to muster up another win after being up 3-1 in the series. The Leafs have the utilities to be successful. With chemistry between all lines, they look to get past the first round.

The Lines

According to Daily Faceoff, these are their current lines for the 2021-2022 season.

First Line – Nick Ritchie, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner

Second Line – Alexander Kerfoot, John Tavares, William Nylander

Third Line – Micheal Bunting, David Kamf, Ilya Mickeyev

Fourth Line – Wayne Simmonds, Jason Spezza, Ondrej Kase

Nick Ritchie inked a two year deal for Toronto in the off season. Penciled alongside Matthews and Marner. Ritchie’s production will increase. Additionally, his big build and hitting ability adds another dimension to the first line. Tavares should be healthy for the season start. The second line has speed and can shut down in the defensive zone. Micheal Bunting signed a two year deal. Scoring 10 goals in 21 games played, the small sample size can translate to more depth for the third line.

The Defense

With no changes to the Leafs defense, the biggest acquisition being Peter Mrazek as the backup goaltender.

Morgan Rielly and T.J. Brodie

Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl

Rasmus Sandin and Travis Dermott

Goalies: Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek

Campbell was strong in net for the Leafs last season. Yet with the addition of Mrazek, they have quite the goalie tandem. Travis Dermott signed a three year deal. Securing a third line pair, he has ability to track the puck in the defensive zone, abolishing scoring chances. In addition, Rielly and Muzzin provide their forwards by creating scoring opportunities.

Undoubtedly, if the Leafs stay healthy they have the depth to surpass the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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