Armed with a new GM, the Leafs look different this season. But does different equal better?
Any team built around Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares will fill the net in perpetuity, and 2022-23 was no exception. Even though he regressed from his 60-goal output of the season prior, Matthews still buried 40 goals, as did Nylander, while Marner finished one point shy of 100. The Leafs have finished top-five in the NHL in 5-on-5 scoring chances per 60 minutes in seven consecutive seasons – a.k.a their seven seasons since Matthews and Marner debuted in the NHL.
It’s possible the defensively leaky Klingberg takes the torch from Jake Gardiner and Justin Holl to become the new error-prone scapegoat on defense, but Klingberg should remain a useful offensive contributor from the point. Even just in the past two seasons, with his play declining, he ranked near the top of the league in primary assists per 60 on the power play. If he replaces Morgan Rielly on the No. 1 unit, Klingberg will provide a superior shooting threat.
Toronto’s best defensive asset: its star forwards’ commitment to defense, particularly Marner’s. He has emerged as one of the league’s most impactful all-around players, killing penalties, blocking shots and intercepting pucks. Marner’s NHL-best 104 takeaways last season were 12 more than the closest player’s total.Dubas rolled the dice on two reclamation projects in Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray last season.
If there’s any doubt as to whether Toronto believes Woll can be the guy: look at Samsonov’s contract. He and the Leafs couldn’t agree on an extension and went to arbitration this summer. He’s set to walk as a UFA next summer. The one-year contract didn’t exactly look like a vote of confidence. Samsonov opens the season as the starter, but Woll will get every opportunity to steal the job. He is no longer waivers exempt, so the Martin Jones signing is insurance rather than a threat to Woll.
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