Because the Toronto Maple Leafs stay up for the 2024-25 common season, a number of modifications have been made to the crew. Will these carry the crew increased within the Atlantic Division standings?
On this version of Maple Leafs Information & Rumors, I’ll study why I believe the Maple Leafs have improved this offseason. I’ll additionally have a look at three younger gamers within the group to invest what may occur with them this season. One is Pontus Holmberg, whose summer season success in worldwide hockey may bode nicely for the crew.
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The second younger participant has not but made inroads to indicate he can have an enduring impression on the group. May this be Nick Abruzzese’s final season with the crew? Third, I’ll study Ben Danford and what he brings to the group. Lastly, I’ll rapidly overview the Atlantic Division and the place the Maple Leafs may stand in comparison with the opposite high groups.
Merchandise 1: Are the Maple Leafs Improved Heading into the 2024-25 Season?
The Maple Leafs have considerably improved their roster and training employees, positioning themselves as contenders within the upcoming season. The additions of Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson have bolstered the crew’s protection, offering a dependable, regular presence and offensive upside to enrich the defensive core. Tanev’s expertise and defensive ability and Ekman-Larsson’s capability to contribute offensively will each improve the crew’s blue line. On paper, the protection appears to be like extra formidable and balanced.
In internet, the Maple Leafs have fashioned a promising goaltending tandem with free-agent signing Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. This duo supplies reliability and development potential, stabilizing the crew’s state of affairs between the pipes. Stolarz brings dimension and consistency, whereas Woll’s growth trajectory affords a glimpse of a vibrant future.
Craig Berube’s appointment as head coach brings the crew a recent perspective and a successful mentality. His observe document suggests he can carry the crew’s efficiency by way of strategic insights and a give attention to disciplined play. These modifications will collectively strengthen the Maple Leafs, making them a extra aggressive and well-rounded crew.
Merchandise 2: What Can the Maple Leafs Anticipate From Pontus Holmberg This Season?
The Maple Leafs can count on Pontus Holmberg to play a major function within the upcoming season. Regardless of not being a high-ranking participant, he’s more likely to play many of the season. Holmberg outperformed expectations final season, particularly because the second-line centre on Workforce Sweden on the 2024 World Championship. Regardless of not drawing a lot discover through the NHL season, he appears to have a better upside than many followers may need thought, recording 17 factors (seven objectives, 10 assists) in 54 video games.
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There’s some dialogue round his place, with basic speak about him as a winger. Nonetheless, given the summer season, he may discover a regular function as a centre as a result of crew’s want for that place. Or, he might be paired with Fraser Minten, doubtlessly shifting him to the wing. Given Minten’s ability set, the 2 may type a extra strategic line than a flashy one. Followers ought to count on Holmberg to contribute to the crew’s efforts within the upcoming season.
Merchandise 3: What Ought to Maple Leafs Followers Know About Ben Danford?
Ben Danford is an 18-year-old defenseman from Madoc, Ontario, chosen by the Maple Leafs thirty first general within the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Identified for his sturdy two-way sport, Danford is a defense-first participant with skating capability and a dedication to blocking pictures. He beforehand performed for the Oshawa Generals within the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the place he showcased his defensive ability. Search for him to realize additional growth within the Maple Leafs’ system.
Right here’s what Maple Leafs followers ought to find out about Danford: He’s a lifelong Maple Leafs fan whose model aligns completely with what the group was searching for. Danford is a two-way defenseman who prioritizes protection. His sport is characterised by laborious work, shot-blocking, and flexibility in numerous conditions. Regardless of modest offensive numbers within the OHL, Danford has proven a powerful work ethic.
Merchandise 4: This May Be Nick Abruzzese’s Final Season within the Maple Leafs Group
Given the place he’s, this is likely to be Nick Abruzzese’s final probability to make the Maple Leafs crew this season. Abruzzese has performed nicely within the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Toronto Marlies however hasn’t but made the leap to the NHL. That’s not a optimistic signal for his future with the group. He’s within the remaining yr of his contract as a restricted free agent, and this season may signify his final probability to make an impression throughout coaching camp.
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Whereas Abruzzese is taken into account an excellent AHL participant and will earn NHL time with different groups, there’s an opportunity he received’t earn a spot with the Maple Leafs. To take action, he would want to go different gamers like Alex Steeves, Minten, and Holmberg on the depth chart to make the NHL roster. That job is likely to be too difficult.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
Might the Atlantic Division title be up for grabs? Whereas it’s the time of the yr for Maple Leafs followers to have visions of sugar plums dancing of their heads, does the crew have an actual probability to make their mark this season?
Recent off successful their first Stanley Cup in franchise historical past, the Florida Panthers have misplaced critical depth, particularly on the blue line. On paper, they’re weaker. In the meantime, regardless of dropping key gamers like Steven Stamkos and Mikhail Sergachev, the Tampa Bay Lightning introduced in Jake Guentzel and introduced again veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh. They’ve stable gamers, however their general power is likely to be lower than it’s been.
The Boston Bruins at all times appear to rise near the highest. They eradicated the Maple Leafs within the first spherical final postseason and introduced in Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. Nevertheless, they, too, face query marks. Given these developments, the place does that put the Maple Leafs? How well-positioned are they to contend for the division title?
It’s laborious to inform this time of the offseason.
