Toronto Maple Leafs Youth are Bringing Grit and Skill to the Rink
The Brian Burke era was defined by size and truculence. The Nonis era was defined by speed and offensive power. Lou Lamoriello, Mike Babcock and Brendon Shanahan are still in the process of leaving their mark on the Maple Leafs organization, but the product of their efforts has come to light in recent weeks: Skill, responsible play and grit.
JVR, William Nylander and PA Parenteau are a few of the Leafs who come to the rink, excite and can dominate offensively. But, in recent games, the gritty and responsible two-way play is what has stood out and won games. The young players are showing up and putting their best forward every shift, making the Leafs a tough team to play against. Let’s take a look at the notable players for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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Leo Komarov has emerged as a fan favorite for the Leafs this season. On offense, he’s been trusted to finish his check, crash the net and play hard every shift. Komarov has proven to be an irritating match up who brings a level of skill to the ice. This season, however, numerous others have emerged in a similar mold and provided the Leafs with a depth of skilled agitators.
Perhaps the Toronto Maple Leafs biggest instigator is center Nazem Kadri. While Kadri has strongly developed his two-way game this season, his knack for getting under the opposition’s skin and drawing penalties is key. If Kadri can use his offensive skills to improve his scoring totals, he will be a key piece of the Maple Leafs rebuild.
Zach Hyman has impressed since signing with the Maple Leafs in the off-season. Hyman’s play at the AHL and NHL level has provided a glimpse into the his potential, he continues to play more minutes in the NHL and put up points. In addition to the points, Hyman is crashing the net and finishing his checks. He’s racked up 19 shots on goal and 14 hits through 7 games played with the Leafs.
Brendan Leipsic has only played five games for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. The forward stands 5 ft 9, but has proven to be an agitator at every level. While Leipsic does not seem to have the offensive potential of the other players listed, he does fit an energy fourth line role in future seasons.
The rookie season play of Nikita Soshnikov has been inspired. The young Russian is playing with confidence, finishing his checks and frustrating the opposition. He can play top minutes or kill penalties. The skill and shot of Soshnikov allows the Toronto Maple Leafs flexibility in their lineup. Soshnikov and Komorov are playing similar hockey right now, and Soshnikov has the higher ceiling in terms of skill.
Ultimately, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have the ability to ice four offensive lines, each featuring an agitating two-way forward with the ability to bury the puck. By complementing those players with other speedy and skilled wingers, the Leafs will continue to prove tough to play against. Regardless of the result this season, the Maple Leafs have proven exciting to watch down the stretch.