Host Matthew Zator welcomed Toronto Maple Leafs author Peter Baracchini to The Hockey Writers Roundtable to preview the upcoming NHL season. Collectively, they explored the important thing storylines, breakout stars, and gamers who want a bounce-back season because the Maple Leafs put together for the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
A few of the takeaways from that phase are value noting.
The Defence: Will It Lastly Maintain Up?
Peter Baracchini recognized protection as probably the most important query mark for the Maple Leafs heading into the season. For years, Toronto’s protection has been inconsistent—enjoying properly at instances however falling aside in essential moments. Based on Baracchini, the crew has constantly ranked within the backside half of the league in stats like targets towards, photographs towards, and penalty kill.
If the Maple Leafs can enhance their defensive play to even mid-range ranges, it might make an enormous distinction, particularly given the energy of their offense. Baracchini believes that the Maple Leafs can develop into a extra full crew with higher protection and transfer past their latest playoff disappointments.
When requested about breakout stars for the season, Baracchini picks two younger gamers: Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann.
Baracchini predicts an enormous season for Knies, probably enjoying within the prime six alongside Auston Matthews and both Mitch Marner or William Nylander. He believes Knies might submit a 30-goal, 60-point season and supply the crew with the secondary star energy they’ve been lacking. Knies already confirmed flashes of brilliance within the playoffs, enjoying in high-pressure conditions and performing properly, which units him up for a big step ahead.
Baracchini can also be enthusiastic about Bobby McMann, who has progressed steadily from the ECHL to the AHL. Regardless of battling accidents final season, McMann impressed with 15 targets and 24 factors in 56 video games. Baracchini believes McMann can contribute within the center six, offering precious secondary scoring if he continues to develop his sport.
Each gamers have the potential to interrupt out, and their performances might add essential depth to the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
Mitch Marner: Time to Bounce Again
Baracchini turns to Mitch Marner because the participant who wants a bounce-back season, particularly within the playoffs. Whereas Marner has been a regular-season standout, constantly placing up 90+ factors and flirting with the 100-point mark, his playoff performances have been lower than stellar. Baracchini argues that whereas Auston Matthews and William Nylander have stepped up within the postseason, Marner has but to ship a series-defining efficiency when it issues most.
Baracchini believes Marner must show he is usually a dominant power within the playoffs this season. If Marner can translate his regular-season brilliance into postseason success, it might be the important thing to Toronto’s deeper playoff run.
Key Maple Leafs Storylines to Watch
Because the Maple Leafs head into the 2024-25 season, their protection, the rise of breakout stars like Knies and McMann, and Marner’s postseason efficiency can be pivotal. If the Maple Leafs can stability their elite offense with improved protection and get important contributions from rising gamers, they’ll be in a wonderful place to contend for a championship.
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