The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ report card is out after a month of the season has passed.
Toronto has an injury problem, and it is starting to badly affect their steady, sure offense and defense. After a month, we grade each offensive player in the lineup. We consider the players’ stats beyond point production. This matters because of its implications for the Maple Leafs roster, who, as they have said in interviews, are committed to this team.
This gives the team and franchise a positive reminder that this great fanbase wants to win a championship, and it’s a top priority for the players involved. Beyond the stats, we also track gameplay and ice time for each player, and we will keep you updated on other critical aspects of the team.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Report Card Grades
Auston Matthews
His gameplay this year has been solid through the beginning of the season. He is playing with poise and has taken a tenacious approach to his physical game. His scoring pace to record 60 goals this year is an encouraging sign, and the possibility of him catching Alex Ovechkin‘s numbers may be a historic pace between him and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
He provides ample opportunities for his teammates and himself to find the open ice and record points on the score sheet. He is one of the most talented forwards ever to wear the Maple Leafs uniform, and with the help of management and coaching staff, may perhaps be able to bring the Stanley Cup to Toronto.
Grade: A
Kirill Marchenko
Marchenko was acquired in a brilliant blockbuster trade made by GM John Chayka. Kirill Marchenko‘s efforts have been nothing short of helping the Maple Leafs’ offense take an offensive burst. He has been that goal scorer for Toronto when the chips are down, gets his team back in the game, and helps produce at every aspect on ice. He is an outstanding forward with a promising future with the team.
His gameplay in the offensive zone is methodical, and he knows when to pull the trigger at the net. He is the playmaker to get his team on the score sheet and knows how to create nifty turnovers for the team on the ice. He is a solid addition to the Leafs’ roster and will be a force to be reckoned with down the stretch of the season into the postseason.
Grade: A
Easton Cowan
Easton Cowan is a phenomenal breakout candidate this year and has been a true success factor for the Maple Leafs. His goal-scoring touch has been nothing short of gritty, nifty gameplay, and he has the ability to break out even more. He will be that guy during the postseason to record points and lead the team when needed, and will be looked upon to take on stars of the other teams during that period.
Even though he has been a breakout star, he is still maturing and learning the game from players such as Matthews, William Nylander, and others. The veterans have done a magnificent job guiding Cowan and he will be the future of the Maple Leafs’ squad down the years.
Grade: B
William Nylander
Nylander has had that offensive spark to give his teammates that playmaking edge; he has scored for most parts of the game; however, he is currently in a slump, as observed. He is a leader in the locker room and knows how to play hockey in general. He is a good forward the Maple Leafs need to lead the team and will be the X-factor during the playoffs during that span.
He is playing well, and during the North Western road trip, he has been the X-factor on the score sheet. He is a solid two-way player who can create an offensive spark, and needs to step up his game during this time to get that monkey off his back. The aspect of him guiding the younger generation, however, is a major spark for the team and will pay dividends.
Grade: A
John Tavares
John Tavares is a versatile forward. His gameplay dedicates itself to his teammates gameplay, where he encourages them to get involved on the scoresheet. He can get around the net, which is important on the power play and during crucial forechecks. He can score out of nowhere and can make plays accordingly. He is also the man behind the young forwards by taking them under his wing and helping their game grow.
Even though he is a decorated veteran, his gameplay has somewhat declined. He should improve as the season progresses and could be a force to be reckoned with. His gameplay will involve a series of playmaking skills and could be the guy to lead the team in critical aspects of the game.
Grade: C
Jack Roslovic
He has been a surprising breakout star for the Maple Leafs. His ability to score is why he is on the top line of the roster and has a tough physical presence. Signing forward Jack Roslovic has done wonders for the current roster, and his presence is deeply appreciated by the team. On the same line with Matthews, he has elevated his play and will be another breakout performer during the playoffs.
He keeps his team in the games played and knows how to get around the ice. He is a scoring machine who needs to be more potent as they come, because of the implications attached to his game. He is that guy right now who gets his teammates involved in the forechecks, and will be that guy during the playoffs to get a quick goal or two.
Grade: B
The Last Word
The team is headed in the right direction; losing games will be part of the season’s woes, but with a positive outlook, especially when the team is healthy, the gameplay is tightly potent and will be the unstoppable force to be taken seriously. The defensive aspect does not look that bleak with the promising additions from the farm team.
The Leafs will prevail this season, finishing in the top two in the Atlantic Division by the end of this campaign.
Main Image: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
