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Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Full of Surprises

By Mike Stephens

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 20: Frederik Gauthier #33 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up before facing the St. Louis Blues at the Scotiabank Arena on October 20, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 20: Frederik Gauthier #33 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up before facing the St. Louis Blues at the Scotiabank Arena on October 20, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 24: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at the Scotiabank Arena on November 24, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 24: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at the Scotiabank Arena on November 24, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Kyle Cushman

Coming off of a breakout 52-point season and a projected slot on the first powerplay unit, most were optimistic about Morgan Rielly heading into this season. Personally, I was expecting a 50-60 point season with more production on the powerplay.

Last year, Rielly scored 25 of his 52 points on the powerplay. Most were expecting tougher minutes at even strength, with significant production coming on the loaded top powerplay unit. Even with lofty expectations for a defenceman, Rielly has exceeded them tremendously through 22 games. So far, Rielly has tied his career high in goals with nine and is leading the NHL in defensive scoring.

For me, Rielly’s incredible offensive production leads the way in surprises to start the year.

The most surprising aspect to me has been his effectiveness at even strength. It would be one thing if the Leafs first powerplay unit was carrying Rielly’s numbers, but he has been extremely productive at 5-on-5. Eight of his nine goals have come at even strength, as well as 16 of his 26 points. Last year, 48 per cent of Rielly’s points came on the power play. Through 22 games, just 38.5 per cent have come on the man advantage, a surprising total given the effectiveness of the top unit.

With a 14.5 shooting percentage and a 105.27 PDO, we know that Rielly won’t go on to score 97 points. I doubt his goals for percentage stays at 62.79 per cent as well. We all know this pace isn’t sustainable, but it sure is fun to watch.

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