Why Preseason Matters More Than Usual for the Maple Leafs This Year
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are desperate to prove their revamped roster is a winning one, and will need to prove it right away as soon as training camp opens up.
At this point, everyone knows the Toronto Maple Leafs are going into this season with a new look, and a new identity.
Everyone knows the deal, Mitch Marner has left for Vegas, Brendan Shanahan is out and much of the Leafs brass walks a thin line, and a quiet offseason so far has been had by Toronto, making it unclear where the team is headed going into training camp.
Ultimately what matters is how the Leafs do in the playoffs, but the preseason and start of the season will be key in showcasing what is and isn't working in Toronto's roster, and give a clear insight into how the team functions in their current state.
The Leafs Core Looks Different After Marner's Exit
Losing Mitch Marner was always going to be a tough exit to overcome. One of the best playmakers in the league and a strong defensive winger, there were very few options that could replace the now-former Leafs star.
Toronto hadn't splashed as expected on a high-priced free agent replacement, and unless a trade happens at some point, it seems that the team is near settled heading into game one of the regular season.
Offense will be the big matter to overcome for Toronto, but they'll also need for a player like Matthew Knies to do more of the dirty work on defense, and whoever plays on the right side to pick up the playmaking mantle left behind.
One name who appears to be the internal long-term replacement is Easton Cowan, but unless he has a strong preseason, he's most likely doing a year with the Marlies to start his pro career.
Toronto still has a massive hole on the right side, which can be filled eventually, but if not, the Leafs will have to be able to quickly adapt to what they have, and it'll be key to their fortunes throughout the season.
It's a stark difference from teams of the past, and the flexibility for certain players like Nic Roy and Dakota Joshua to slide up and down the lineup will give Craig Berube a lot to think about.
How the Team Adjusts To New Roster Could Set the Tone
The way in which the Toronto Maple Leafs are able to set themselves up in the wake of Marner's departure will be key for setting how the Leafs are able to adjust in his wake.
It will be key to see how Auston Matthews is able to respond without Marner on his wing feeding him helpers.
Matthews, who spent last season dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, will have to prove not only that he's at 100%, but that his game won't be too impacted by Marner leaving.
Potentially, the hole could be filled by William Nylander, who hasn't worked as well together with Matthews as Marner, but will look to showcase he can gel together with his longtime teammate.
If not, newly acquired Matias Maccelli may be tasked with being a setup man to Matthews, a tough task for Maccelli, who had taken a step backwards last season with just 18 points in 55 games.
Knies feels confident in his teammates however, and the trust he has in his coach and GM could go a long way in his growth and potential ascension to elite status.
One drastic measure that could be taken for Auston Matthews is that he becomes more of a playmaker rather than pure goalscorer, and helps set up the offense for his linemates, presumably Nylander and Knies.
The move would mimic the role taken by Steven Stamkos in Tampa after his injury, who went from one of the best goalscorers in the league to a passing threat.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs can prove quickly that the team can carry on despite some major changes to their roster, it could very well spark the team's confidence and showcase they're still built to win as a group.
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