The Toronto Maple Leafs power play looks to be unstoppable.
The Toronto Maple Leafs power play was solid last year. However, with Tyler Bozak and James Van Riemsdyk out of the picture, there are a lot of new possibilities regarding the re-arrangement of the Leafs top unit.
I will touch on how dominant the Maple Leafs top power play squad will be if Auston Matthews and John Tavares join forces, in the midst of proposing a few top power play units that could take shape.
Figuring out how Mike Babcock will arrange Toronto’s power play talent could be one of the most intriguing on-ice topics of the off-season. Let’s begin.
Updating the Toronto Maple Leafs Top Power Play Unit
First, take a look at the Maple Leafs first power play unit from last season.
First PP unit (2017-18)
- Morgan Rielly
- Tyler Bozak
- James Van Riemsdyk
- Nazem Kadri
- Mitch Marner
The Leafs played a 1-3-1 formation on the power play; one player on the point, one on each side, one in front and one in the hole in the middle of the offensive zone.
A top power play unit made up of Marner, Matthews and Tavares is an appealing possibility. However, due to the fact that they all play on the right side of the power play, it is likely that one of them would have to move. It’s something Mike Babcock has to figure out. There’s going to have to be some creativity, with players likely straying away from their usual positions.
A top power play line featuring Marleau
If the Leafs continue to play a 1-3-1 formation, Patrick Marleau could find his way on the first unit. It could look like this:
- Morgan Rielly
- Patrick Marleau
- Auston Matthews
- John Tavares
- Mitch Marner
With Marleau in front, Matthews could cover the left side with Tavares supporting the unit at centre.
Promoting Gardiner to the top unit
The Leafs should promote Jake Gardiner to the first power play unit. Gardiner recorded 15 power play points last season, leading the Maple Leafs second unit ahead of Matthews and Nylander. A first PP unit with Gardiner at the point could look like this:
- Patrick Marleau
- John Tavares
- William Nylander or Mitch Marner
- Jake Gardiner
- Auston Matthews
There is a lot to be said for having Tavares and Marner on opposite power play units, hence the inclusion of William Nylander in the list above. Both players could dominate the half wall as a puck distributor, or as a shooter when a scoring lane opens up.
Dominant power play squad supported by Rielly and Marner
The final unit that I propose is one that I believe makes the most sense. Mitch Marner is the best passer on the team and deserves a spot on the first power play unit. It is likely Morgan Rielly would be his partner at the point. In this scenario, it would be ideal to have John Tavares and Auston Matthews on opposite sides of the ice ready to score. That being said, here is the final Toronto Maple Leafs top power play unit that I propose:
- Mitch Marner
- Morgan Rielly
- John Tavares
- Auston Matthews
- Zach Hyman
Re-arranging Toronto’s power play units and providing speculation is exciting. With all the talent that the Toronto Maple Leafs have developed and acquired, figuring out their top power play line is like coming up with an all-star squad.
Next: Opening Night Predictions
Regardless, the final decision will be left to Mike Babcock. Fortunately for Toronto’s coaching staff, stressing over how to distribute talent will be one of the least stressful things they ever do. It’s a sign of good things to come.