Toronto Maple Leafs: The Olympics That Could've Been

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot of star players right now.

I know, that seems like a weird thing for the Toronto Maple Leafs to have, but it’s actually true and you know it is.

Just look at the 2016-17 season individual statistics as a prime example in the order of games played, goals, assists, and points.

Auston Matthews: 82-40-29-69

James van Riemsdyk: 82-29-33-62

William Nylander: 81-22-39-61

Mitchell Marner: 77-19-42-61

Nikita Zaitsev: 82-4-32-36

Let’s not leave out Frederik Andersen who posted 33 wins, a 2.67 GAA, a .918 Sv% and four shutouts.

Now, you may be wondering why I’ve collected these few and the simple answer is because they would’ve all had a legitimate chance at cracking their respective Olympics team’s roster.

At least, these are the Leafs players in my opinion that had a chance.

Unfortunately, the NHL isn’t going to the 2018 Olympics, leaving many in the hockey community a little upset.

Or furious, either will work.

Let’s make a case for each player that I’ve selected above.

Auston Matthews

More from Editor In Leaf

I feel like this one’s a no brainer, but we’re still going to chat about Matthews a little bit.

On top of a four goal NHL debut, 40 goals, a team leading 69 points and numerous franchise records broken, he won the Calder Trophy.

This kid is a bonafide superstar in the making and undoubtedly would’ve had a spot on the United States of America Team.

I’d challenge you to try and come up with reasons against him making the team.

Look back at the World Cup of Hockey where he almost didn’t make the final roster, but eventually did and played well.

I’d say he would’ve been a lock this year.

James van Riemsdyk

Now, van Riemsdyk isn’t as much of a lock as Matthews is, but I definitely think he had a chance, especially after this past season.

Such a consistent power forward, one of the most consistent in the game.

He may not have been a starter on the team, but I feel like his name would’ve appeared on the roster giving Team USA two Leafs players.

William Nylander

Again, not a lock, but the potential for Nylander to crack the Swedish roster is there 100%.

He’s already played for them internationally a few times and if you forgot, the last time he did, he was the tournament MVP.

So for them not to at least consider Nylander would be a shock to me.

The only thing that would’ve fought against him is his age.

In the 2016-17 season on top of his point production, he was able to claim Rookie of the Month honors twice and break some franchise records to boot.

A star in the making and I have to admit, I didn’t think he’d be as good as he is.

I’m happy to be wrong.

Mitchell Marner

Okay, another youngster whose chances would’ve been really hindered on the fact that he’s small, his age and that Canada would’ve had a lot of talent to choose from.

Honestly, for Marner to make the Canadian Team would say a lot, we all know that.

But the competition is enormous and out of all the players on my list, he would’ve had the worst chance to represent his country.

However, I think Marner would’ve been a pleasant surprise if he was chosen.

He’s such a good ambassador for the game of hockey and for Canada.

Nikita Zaitsev

He played for Russia at the World Cup in September and I think he could’ve played for them again at the Olympics.

This one might be a stretch and to say Zaitsev’s a star is definitely a stretch.

But obviously, the Russian management system likes what they see in him, enough to represent Russia at the international level.

Now, coming over to the NHL from the KHL as a right handed defenseman on a questionable team (back in the fall) and then register 36 points is quite an accomplishment.

Yes, the Leafs were questionable back in the fall if you remember.

He’s my sleeper on this list.

Frederik Andersen

Lastly, we have Andersen.

Name a better Danish goaltender, I’ll even wait a few seconds.

1, 2, 3.

My point has been made, hasn’t it?

Honestly, I don’t think I need to add anything else to my position on Andersen representing Denmark.

It’s a real shame that none of these players will get to represent their country at the Olympics and it’s just sad that the talent level will be down.

Still, I’m still going to be glued to the TV cheering for Canada because it’s the Olympics.

Let’s represent our country together regardless of who’s playing.

Next: Watching Borgman

Do you agree or disagree?

Let me know in the comments section below, which I monitor throughout the day.

I love the conversations and interaction I get to have with you all.

Go Canada.

Home/Editorials

Toronto Maple Leafs: The Olympics That Could’ve Been

By Andrew Boehmer | Aug 8, 2017