It’s been a busy summer for the Maple Leafs under the guidance of new general manager Brad Treliving.
Last season was the closest the Leafs had looked like a Stanley Cup winning team in years with some classy displays to beat Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs, before ultimately falling short against the Florida Panthers.
With additions to the roster and smart business by Treliving, the 23-24 season looks promising for the Maple Leafs fans.
New additions
Although the Leafs played some great hockey last season they weren’t the most aggressive side and needed more fight to go further in the playoffs. Ryan Reaves is one of the toughest players in the league and the aggression he’ll bring will be a huge bonus.
The Leafs have also added Swedish defenceman John Klingberg to the roster. With 10 goals and 23 assists last season his offensive stats make good reading and Sheldon Keene will be hoping he can continue this form for the Leafs.
Another signing to excite fans is the versatile Max Domi. His dad, Tie Domi is a former Leafs player and was a huge fan favourite in the late 1990’s. Tie was known for his big hits and fights whereas Max has shown himself to have more skill and playing ability during his career so far but has been inconsistent. At the 2015 World Juniors he got 5 goals and 10 points as Team Canada won the gold medal and it looked like he’d go onto become a superstar. His career has stuttered at times since, but if he can focus on what he does best Max Domi could become a favourite like his dad.
The first signing of the summer gave fans a glimpse of what was to come as Treliving secured Tyler Bertuzzi as a free agent. Bringing in a player who has scored 72 over the last three seasons is excellent business. With an aggressive side to his game as well as his goal scoring ability, Bertuzzi is a great addition.
Maple Leafs roster
Auston Matthews
After a largely disappointing campaign last year, a return to form for the Leafs star man will be key to challenge for the Stanley Cup.
With 40 goals and 85 points in the 22-23 season Matthews knows fans will expect more this year. However for much of last season he was struggling with a wrist injury which hugely impacted his shooting ability. The injury resulted in a shooting percentage of just 12.2%, 5% lower than the 21-22 season when he managed 60 goals.
If Matthews can stay injury free and get his shooting ability back near where it was then fans could possibly see their star man grab up to 70 goals in 23-24.
Player contracts
As well as bringing in new additions, Treliving has secured key players to extended contracts. Austin Matthews has signed for another four years and if injury free can now just focus on hockey. David Kampf has also extended until 2027, whilst Pontus Holmberg has signed a new two year contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs predictions
After a shrewd offseason to bulk up a squad that was already impressive last year there is lots to look forward to for Leafs fans.
The additional fighting spirit should help the team to dig deep in the key moments and get wins over the line. If Auston Matthews is back in top form, with quality of players around him he could go onto break several individual records and spearhead the team to success.
The Maple Leafs are the betting favourites and we’re backing them to win the 23-24 Stanley Cup.
Best Bets in Canada predictions
Austin Matthews to score more than 60 goals.
Toronto Maple Leafs to win the Stanley Cup.
