Maple Leafs' New Depth Lineup Stuns Fans in Side-by-Side Comparison
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Fans have taken notice on social media that the 2025-26 version of the Toronto Maple Leafs might be the deepest they've had in a long time, which they're hoping leads to a Stanley Cup.
There's been a lot to say so far about the Maple Leafs' offseason. Is it perfect? No, and they are certainly missing a few pieces, but in all honesty the moves made aren't shabby whatsoever.
How Brad Treliving Rebuilt Maple Leafs Depth
They were able to turn Mitch Marner's free agency fiasco into a trade that brought in Nic Roy, they gave away one of their last good picks to acquire Matias Maccelli, and traded a very late pick for Dakota Joshua.
Michael Pezzetta, and Travis Boyd were good free agent signings and Ryan Reaves was able to be traded for Henry Thrun; all things considered it hasn't been bad at all.
While fans were clamouring for a big signing or a blockbuster trade, they instead got some of the more savvier and underrated offseasons. Taking a look at what the depth looked like on puck drop last year, it's hard to argue they haven't improved.
Why This Year's Lineup Could Finally Push the Leafs Over the Top
The third and fourth lines last year left something to be desired, as it still had Pontus Holmberg as their 3C (already rough) and there was that abysmal fourth line that besides Steven Lorentz, provided any real help (though David Kampf is a heck of a penalty killer).
But if we look at it now:
Joshua - Roy - McMann
Pezzetta - Laughton - Lorentz
That lineup is much deeper both offensively, and defensively. Roy is a menace in his own zone, and while he might be slow, he's steady. McMann is looking to build off a 20-goal campaign, and Joshua's going to add the perfect mix of physicality and scoring.
The fourth line is tough as nails, physical and best of all? Very good defensively.
Pezzetta may look like just an enforcer-esque player but he has great underlying numbers, Laughton is revered for being gritty and defensive, and Lorentz led all forwards in hits and was tied for fourth on the team in game-winning goals.
Plus, come playoff time we've got Roy who has won a Cup amongst a bevy of other successful Leafs, and he's got some decent numbers to boot, but beyond the accolades it's what they bring.
Toughness, determination, passion. It's those qualities that push you over the top, and if they are going to hang with the likes of Florida, Carolina or Tampa Bay in the East; they need those x-factors.
It's also the last time the team can utilize the playoff cap space to maximize their roster, and with as deep as things have become, there's a good chance they can surprise people.
But we won't know until the puck drops October 8th.
Are you ready?
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