Initially of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ secondary scoring appeared like it will be a giant issue as names like Max Domi and Bobby McMann bought off to sturdy begins. Since then, it’s been a distinct story as what was as soon as a power has now gone chilly and is placing the workforce in a well-recognized spot like final season.
Domi began the season with six assists in six video games however has gone pointless in 12 video games since. McMann scored in opposition to the Washington Capitals, the primary time because the third sport of the season. Pontus Holmberg hasn’t generated a lot as he solely has two assists. Nicholas Robertson has just one objective in 15 video games and has even been scratched consequently. When Steven Lorentz, a fourth liner is extra productive than gamers forward of him within the lineup, that’s a priority.
Which is why the Maple Leafs ought to look to the Toronto Marlies to get their depth scoring again on observe as it could take a while to make a giant commerce and purchase instant assist. Alex Steeves, who leads the Marlies in objectives (9) and factors (12), was known as up on an emergency foundation and suited up for his first sport of the season in opposition to the Washington Capitals. Whereas he appeared sturdy and will stick to the workforce, listed here are three extra forwards that might see a call-up with their sizzling begins to the season.
Nikita Grebenkin
I’ve been one in every of Grebnekin’s greatest followers ever since I began watching clips and performs of his sport after he was drafted. There was one thing there, as he offers a robust energy ahead factor however possesses nice arms and playmaking skills. He confirmed that once more in the course of the prospect showdown and at factors in the course of the preseason. After standing out within the KHL and profitable the Gagarin Cup, he at the moment has 9 factors in his first 11 video games in North America.
When he was given an opportunity to succeed and crack the roster, you noticed glimpses of Grebenkin’s strengths as to what he can do with and with out the puck. There have been some lapses as he will get used to the North American ice, however the power, ability and tenacity was evident each time he stepped on the ice. His measurement blended along with his clean skating and slick passing performs was on show each likelihood he bought. He’s aggressive and doesn’t shrink back from the powerful areas of the ice. He’s precisely the kind of participant that will thrive in Berube’s system.
He’s off to a unbelievable begin to his professional profession, however should still want some extra time to iron issues out. When he does, he’s going to be a pillar on the wing for the Maple Leafs sooner or later.
Fraser Minten
The Maple Leafs actually want some assist up the center of the ice as Domi continues to be inconsistent and struggling at centre. Each with and with out the puck. Coming into this season, Fraser Minten was undoubtedly a kind of gamers that might’ve challenged for a roster spot after he impressed throughout his first stint final season. Nonetheless, he suffered a excessive ankle sprain in the course of the rookie showdown and it put a damper on his probabilities.
Minten has since returned and has proven no indicators of rust by any means. He has been centring the Marlies’ second line and has been productive with three factors in three video games, together with his first skilled objective. Had he been wholesome, it’s very seemingly that Minten would’ve stayed with the Maple Leafs after the preseason and will’ve been a staple for the workforce up the center along with his sturdy mix of two-way and bodily play.
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Minten has appeared spectacular early on getting back from his harm, as he has made a seamless transition to the professional stage this season. Given how he already has professional expertise beneath his belt, it was anticipated that will be the case. With the Maple Leafs struggling to get manufacturing from the underside half of the lineup, it’s undoubtedly price giving him that look as he’s already taking part in effectively within the Marlies’ prime six. It might be greatest to maneuver Domi again to the wing and have a pure centre like Minten take over as he generally is a serviceable participant along with his two-way sport.
Alex Nylander
This one could also be a bit bit difficult contemplating that Alex Nylander is on an AHL deal and never on a professional contract. It might result in that professional deal for Nylander if he continues to play effectively. There’s additionally the notion that he gained’t require to clear waivers on the possibility that he’s known as up. Which is nice for the Maple Leafs as you don’t danger dropping him.
Nylander brings the offense and ability because it has been the case in 2024-25. He’s second on the workforce in objectives with 5– solely behind Steeves– and has eight factors in 11 video games. He went on a tear offensively late final season when he scored 11 objectives and tallied 15 factors in 23 video games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The draw back is that his defensive sport isn’t as sturdy as he’s tied for essentially the most even power objectives in opposition to on the Marlies with 10.
There are execs and cons to Nylander’s sport, however contemplating that the Maple Leafs have to get some offense, his offensive skills barely outweigh his lack of defensive construction. Now, it’s doable that Nylander might not be known as up as he may additionally be additional down their depth chart, but when he can discover the again of the web like he did final season, then that’ll be a giant addition to the Maple Leafs offense.
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Given how the Maple Leafs might use a lift to their backside six, Grebenkin, Minten and Nylander all deliver one thing to the desk that might generate offense than what the roster at the moment has. Sure, they might at all times make a commerce however for now, they’ve gamers that could possibly be a short lived or perhaps a everlasting repair.
Statistics from AHL Tracker.
