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Why the Maple Leafs Are Finally Built for Playoff Hockey


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Charlie McAfee
October 11, 2025  (0:17)
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May 18, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton (24), forward Max Domi (11) and forward John Tavares (91) during warm up before game seven of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

NHL Network host Mike Rupp believes the Toronto Maple Leafs are finally ready for the postseason and his recent comments show there may actually be a big difference.

One of the biggest concerns over the past decade has been the inconsistency of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the postseason.
Fans are frustrated with the constant heartbreaking losses and disappointing finishes that show while the regular season success has been great, it hasn't led to much past that.
That being said, the team recognized their faults and failures and adjusted their mindset, bringing in a bunch of new faces who add more balance and depth throughout the lineup.
It's been such an impressive turnaround, it's got NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp giving them high praise.
What Makes This Year's Maple Leafs Team Different
Rupp, who appeared on the Real Kyper and Bourne Show explained that while the Toronto Maple Leafs have done some tinkering, it's going to pay off in the long run:
So, when I say that [having a better lineup] I mean winning the Cup. Skill wise? No, they are not a more talented team without Marner, but maybe that's where differences about what wins and doesn't win in this league.

It's nothing to do with Mitch, they built a better bottom-six. This is a bottom-six now that I feel can make a difference in the postseason. Florida is a perfect example; greasier, grittier, these are players who have had some success in the playoffs.

I don't think it has to be the big guys, they have a team now that has specific roles.

That may be a better way to put it; you have players miscast nowadays and you need players who think a certain way, play certain roles; maybe play 11 minutes a night but be effective in those 11 minutes.

This is a team come playoff time, you won't have to look at the same guys all the time. Outside of Vegas, I think Toronto might be my second favorite forward depth in the league.

It echoes Rupp's earlier comments about the Maple Leafs' lineup being the best he has seen constructed in a long time.
But can Toronto's new-look lineup actually create a postseason shift?

How Toronto's Depth Could Finally Make the Difference

While it's a lot of the same faces coming back, the team certainly focused on adding players who are willing to do whatever it takes to win.
The biggest addition is going to be Nicolas Roy, not only because he solidified the third-line center role, but also because he comes with proven playoff production and always comes through when it counts.
For a player with only 166 career points, he does have 32 points in 79 playoff games, including putting up 11 points during Vegas' Cup win while winning nearly 50% of his face-offs.
But beyond that, instead of guys like Pontus Holmberg or Max Pacioretty, they replaced them with Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua; who bring a lot more versatility.
Joshua is also an interesting playoff performer, as he;s only appeared in 14 playoff games but has 8 points; a very solid sample size that bodes well for Toronto; if he can bring the third line offense with Roy that's a new dimension we've never seen.
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't a team focused on four stars with a mediocre supporting cast anymore.
They are a team built on grit, toughness, balance, and versatility. It's not going to bring them 100 points, but instead something better: A Stanley Cup.
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Why the Maple Leafs Are Finally Built for Playoff Hockey

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