Toronto Maple Leafs: Matthews, World Cup, Trouba

Each week I post a new “Goals, Assists, and Penalties” where I give you my two cents on the weeks news around the NHL and Toronto Maple Leafs. I break it down into Goals (positive news), Assists (generally positive news or something is lacking), and Penalties (negative news). These are purely my subjective opinions.

Penalty: Toronto Maple Leafs had 79 players on their initial training camp roster.

Goal: Zaitsev at WCH. Commanded top minutes of the defensively weak Russian team. But did not look out of place.

Goal: Matthews at WCH. Looked great with Connor McDavid. He controlled the puck. He used his body well. Smart. Great hands. Handled himself professionally.

He is a Babcock type of two way hard player. I have no problem saying already that this kid is going to be the real deal. Marner may

More from Editor In Leaf

still turn into less than imagined, as can the likes of Nylander, but as long as we remember that Matthews is 19, and on a young team, he will be absolutely amazing for the next decade.

Or two. If you didn’t watch the WCH and team North America, I promise you will not be disappointed come Oct. 12.

Goal: Reilly at WCH. Was trusted with top line minutes with Ekblad until Ekblad went down to injury. Reilly looked the best he ever has.

This tournament marks the first time that I can say that I first saw #1 defender potential in him and not just a solid #2. I may have been late to this party but the door is open and I may walk in soon. Lets see how the beginning of the season goes.

Penalty: Matt Murray broke his hand and is out 3-5 weeks, missing beginning of the season.

Assist: Lupul failing his physical. Does he even have a place in TO anymore?

Assist: Leafs improving over last year. This may seem like is should be a ‘goal’ but expectations are important. Leaf fans enjoyed last season, a season where we finished in last place! All because of expectations. Lets just hope for improvement and potential. Lets continue to praise patience in Leaf Nation.

Goal: Frederick Andersens mask.

Penalty: NA winning twice but not making the playoffs of the WCH and Europe making it instead.

Penalty: Marner at Rookie Camp.

Goal: Marners first Pre-season game.

Goal: This.

Goal: Elliotte Friedmans reaction.

Goal: Gaudreau, Sheiffle, Trochek. These guys are better than I ever thought.

Penatly: Drouin. During the WCH, in one game he played 1 shift the entire 3^rd period. What is with this kid that he keeps getting benched. For such an immense talent, is it really his fault? Or does he keep getting put in situations where for some reason his coaches don’t seem to understand what he brings to the team? I wish I was in the locker room and at practice to get a better idea.

Goal: I was at the Finland vs. North America game, and I got to see Matthews, Mcdavid, Eichel, and Laine all play in the same game at full speed.

This may be the last time this ever happens (because All star games are not exactly much of a grind). And basing things off that game alone, as unfair as it is, I would have ranked Mcdavid #1, Matthews a close 2, Eichel a distant 3, and Laine somewhere off the bottom of the page.

Laine wasn’t helped much by his teammates, but maybe this is more of a player flaw than it is unfortunate circumstances for him. Maybe he needs great players around to make a difference. He seems like a finisher, while McDavid and Matthews can turn a game around on their own in an instant. I think that is what separates these guys the most.

Next: Player Profile: Trevor Moore

Assist: Jacob Trouba has asked for a trade from the Jets in order to play in the top four on the right side….ummmmm hello Maple Leafs!?

Under Review: Should we trade for Trouba? Are we willing to trade what would be necessary?

Home/Analysis

Toronto Maple Leafs: Goals, Assists, and Penalties

By John | Sep 29, 2016

More from Editor In Leaf