On this version of Toronto Maple Leafs Information & Rumors, I’ll look at just a few key subjects surrounding the staff as coaching camp approaches. First, I’ll discover the comparatively quiet state of affairs concerning defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and his function if he joins the staff. Subsequent, I’ll shift focus to Mitch Marner, who’s reportedly gearing up for an important season, together with his offseason coaching catching the eye of outstanding hockey insider Elliotte Friedman.
Lastly, I’ll look at the Maple Leafs’ goaltending state of affairs and examine it to the profitable tandem method utilized by the Boston Bruins, how Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll might present the defensive spine Toronto wants in internet this season.
Merchandise One: Hakanpaa Saga Overblown: A Minor Experiment for Leafs’ Depth
Right now, Maple Leafs author Adam Proteau put a attainable Jani Hakanpaa signing into perspective. The continued discussions in regards to the Maple Leafs probably signing veteran defenseman Hakanpaa have been blown out of proportion. Whereas intriguing, Hakanpaa’s addition would probably have a minimal affect on the staff’s long-term plans throughout the common season.
Associated: Hurricanes May Trigger Chaos with a Nick Robertson Supply Sheet
At greatest, Hakanpaa would function a depth defenseman, slotting into the third pairing and averaging 15-16 minutes per recreation. With Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jake McCabe locked into common spots, Hakanpaa would compete with Simon Benoit, Timothy Liljegren, and Conor Timmins for the remaining positions. Even when he secures a spot, Hakanpaa might continuously discover himself within the press field, making his presence extra of a rotational choice slightly than a major contributor.
In the end, Hakanpaa can be insurance coverage for the Maple Leafs protection, and his damage historical past suggests he can’t deal with a full-season workload. If issues don’t work out, common supervisor Brad Treliving has different choices internally or by way of future acquisitions. Proteau believes Toronto followers shouldn’t get too labored up over this example. Whether or not or not Hakanpaa indicators, it’s unlikely to have an effect on the staff’s success this season.
Merchandise Two: Mitch Marner Gearing Up for a Massive Season Amid Contract Rumors
Mitch Marner is taking his offseason preparation severely because the rumors surrounding his future in Toronto swirl. With unrestricted free company looming subsequent 12 months and a long-term contract probably on the horizon, Marner appears decided to make a press release this season—whether or not to safe a giant contract with the Maple Leafs or put together for brand new alternatives elsewhere.
Associated: Maple Leafs’ Level Projections for the 2024-25 NHL Season
In keeping with Elliotte Friedman on 32 Ideas: The Podcast, Marner has been working throughout the offseason. He’s been coaching laborious and sharing the ice with some elite firm. Friedman talked about, “I imagine he’s in Vail (Colorado) this weekend with Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon… He’s appeared dynamite with Crosby and MacKinnon.”
Coaching alongside a number of the NHL’s greatest gamers, Marner seems to be centered on coming into the upcoming season in high kind. Whether or not his coaching companions are a glimpse right into a future transfer or just a part of his preparation for Workforce Canada within the upcoming 4 Nations Event, Marner’s dedication is clear.
Given the Maple Leafs’ latest contract commitments to Auston Matthews and William Nylander and John Tavares’ probably want to remain in Toronto, Marner’s future has been the topic of heavy hypothesis. Whereas buying and selling him has been extensively debated, Marner appears able to show himself, carrying a chip on his shoulder into the 2024-25 season. This might sign an thrilling 12 months for followers of the All-Star winger, who appears poised (or as a minimum making ready) for a breakout marketing campaign amid all of the contract discuss.
Merchandise Three: Can the Maple Leafs Replicate the Bruins’ Goaltending Success?
Whereas some would possibly fear in regards to the Maple Leafs’ goaltending state of affairs on account of a perceived lack of expertise, there’s purpose for optimism. The Boston Bruins not too long ago proved that an unsure goaltending tandem can nonetheless flourish underneath the proper circumstances, and the Maple Leafs may very well be poised for the same end result.
Associated: Jake McCabe’s Return Is Essential to the Maple Leafs Protection
The Bruins’ goaltending duo of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark didn’t initially appear to be a dominant drive. Swayman had solely 10 NHL video games earlier than stepping right into a 1A/1B function, whereas Ullmark had fewer than 100 NHL begins over six seasons. Nevertheless, as soon as given the chance, each goaltenders excelled. By the tip of the 2022-23 season, they gained the William M. Jennings Trophy for permitting the fewest targets in opposition to.
The Maple Leafs discover themselves in an analogous state of affairs. At 30 years outdated, Anthony Stolarz is coming off a powerful season with a 2.03 goals-against common and a .925 save proportion. Regardless of solely taking part in 27 video games, he’s at a profession juncture just like Ullmark’s, the place he may be ready for an opportunity to point out he could be a true starter.
However, Joseph Woll has extra expertise than Swayman did when he obtained his break. Woll was a standout collegiate goalie, and though accidents restricted him final season, his potential is plain. If he stays wholesome and kinds a 1A/1B tandem with Stolarz, the Maple Leafs might see related outcomes to what the Bruins achieved.
Nobody anticipated the Bruins’ goaltenders to carry out at such a excessive degree, so why can’t this staff’s duo additionally shock folks? Each Stolarz and Woll have proven flashes of success in restricted motion. With the proper alternative, they might replicate Boston’s success this season.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
The continued state of affairs with Marner has develop into a focus for debate amongst Maple Leafs followers. It brings up many polarizing facets of getting a hometown star who appears to like taking part in in Toronto however may additionally really feel overshadowed by one other participant (Auston Matthews) on the staff. Whereas Marner has persistently been one of many Maple Leafs’ high performers, it’s straightforward to surprise if he carries a chip on his shoulder about not being seen because the franchise’s greatest participant.
Associated: Ex-Maple Leafs’ Defenseman Jake Gardiner: The place Is He Now?
His performances recommend he’s pushed to show himself, however his agent’s dealing with of his previous contract has fueled the drama. Marner’s play, good or unhealthy, might present a lot of hypothesis this season.
