On this version of Toronto Maple Leafs Information & Rumors, I’ll check out one newcomer to the staff’s roster – Anthony Stolarz. I’ll additionally share among the milestones that present Maple Leafs stalwarts will probably be in search of this upcoming season. Lastly, I’ll have a look at one participant who acquired away and speculate about why he left. That’s Tyler Bertuzzi.
Merchandise 1: Why Would Anthony Stolarz Soar to the Maple Leafs?
Stolarz’s transition to the Maple Leafs marks a major new chapter in his hockey journey. Following his Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers, the 30-year-old goalie joins Toronto on a two-year deal. There are excessive expectations for the towering 6-foot-6 net-filling stopper. After posting spectacular statistics as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup, together with a .925 save proportion, Stolarz appears able to problem Joseph Woll for the beginning place. And that’s possible precisely how the staff has drawn it up.
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Stolarz’s determination to maneuver to Toronto displays a need for a extra distinguished position and a aggressive surroundings. He acknowledges the Maple Leafs’ historic stature and sees a possibility to compete for significant ice time. Though Woll has nice potential, he’s not Bobrovsky. Ergo, Stolarz is extra toss-up-for-time within the Ontario capital than within the Sunshine State.
Regardless of the Maple Leafs’ latest goaltending technique favoring reclamation tasks, Stolarz’s sturdy underlying metrics counsel he’s removed from being a hoped-for shock within the crease. He brings a way of reliability between the pipes.
Stolarz’s journey, drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012, has been characterised by studying from seasoned goaltenders like Bobrovsky and the Anaheim Geese John Gibson. He credit Bobrovsky for his work ethic, a trait he goals to carry to Toronto. With the Maple Leafs aiming to bolster defensive stability below new coach Craig Berube, acquisitions like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Chris Tanev are set to enhance Stolarz’s presence within the internet.
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For Stolarz, the transfer represents an opportunity to show himself in a demanding hockey market. He’s additionally conscious that he’s landed with a staff starved for fulfillment. As he settles into his new position, followers will see how successfully he can translate his Stanley Cup-winning expertise into constant performances for the Maple Leafs.
Merchandise 2: Maple Leafs Gamers Who Might Hit Milestones in 2024-25
Because of Jon Steitzer in LeafsNation for his have a look at the staff’s upcoming milestones. A number of Maple Leafs gamers are on the verge of great milestones this season. Auston Matthews might have a historic season, doubtlessly reaching his four-hundredth purpose, 700th level, and transferring into fifth place on Toronto’s all-time scoring record. He’s solely performed 562 regular-season video games. Notably, Matthews is simply 53 objectives away from turning into the Maple Leafs’ all-time main purpose scorer.
William Nylander is 33 objectives away from getting into the highest ten all-time Maple Leafs purpose scorers, 72 factors from reaching 600 profession factors, and 36 factors from the highest ten all-time in Maple Leafs factors. Mitch Marner is 24 video games from his 600th sport, six objectives away from 200, and 61 factors away from 700. Morgan Rielly is approaching 800 video games, needing solely 9 extra, and can be 20 objectives away from 100, 28 factors from 500, and 57 factors from turning into the second all-time Maple Leafs factors chief amongst defensemen. John Tavares is 60 video games from his five hundredth within the Blue & White, 16 objectives from 200 as a Toronto participant, 81 factors from 500 with the Maple Leafs, 23 factors from getting into the highest 20 Maple Leafs scorers of all time, 60 factors from 1100 profession factors, and 44 objectives from 500 profession objectives.
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It appears there will probably be milestones to rejoice all season lengthy.
Merchandise 3: Tyler Bertuzzi Lands in Chicago, However Why?
After only one season with the Maple Leafs, Bertuzzi has signed a four-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks price $22 million. That’s a median annual worth of $5.5 million—the identical quantity he obtained from Brad Treliving on a one-year deal final summer season. The distinction for Bertuzzi was the time period. He appeared bored with transferring round and wished to land someplace for an extended haul. There are worse locations than Chicago.
Curiously, Bertuzzi hadn’t initially thought of the Blackhawks till former teammate Nick Foligno reached out to share Chicago’s curiosity in signing the winger to a multi-year deal. After playing on a one-year contract, Bertuzzi landed some desired safety. Moreover, he now has an opportunity to play with Connor Bedard on Chicago’s prime line.
Studying between the strains, it appeared that Bertuzzi wasn’t enamored along with his season in Toronto. He discovered it a bit forgettable. He additionally admitted feeling uneasy about being within the highlight and coping with the media circus. Whereas he had a gradual begin, he performed his finest hockey towards the tip of the season and into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Bertuzzi supplied the staff a robust presence in entrance of the online and even went on a little bit of a goal-scoring streak in March.
From the skin, he regarded gradual and was typically a step behind the play. Given his season, it’s possible that the Maple Leafs’ re-signing of Max Domi presents higher bang for the buck.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
A number of kids needs to be enjoyable to look at this season. Matthew Knies appears poised for a breakout sophomore season based mostly on his spectacular rookie development and standout playoffs. He ought to discover a place alongside both Tavares or Matthews, considerably boosting the highest strains. Knies seems to be to be a shoo-in for a top-six position.
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Given Bobby McMann’s damage historical past, will he be capable to land increased within the lineup? McMann’s potential is intriguing, however his well being could be a consider his contributions. Lastly, as I’ve famous earlier than, what occurs with Nick Robertson? He’s proven his scoring capacity in restricted ice time. With extra top-six possibilities, might Robertson change into a major offensive menace? That will add depth and flexibility to the staff’s forwards if he might.
Creating the staff’s younger gamers might be key if the staff hopes to construct on final yr’s success and push additional within the playoffs.
