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Toronto Maple Leafs 2018-19 Player Grades

By James Tanner

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts to the crowd after the Leafs scored against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts to the crowd after the Leafs scored against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 15: Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Andreas Johnsson (18) controls the puck during Game 3 of the First round NHL Playoffs between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs on April 15, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.(Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 15: Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Andreas Johnsson (18) controls the puck during Game 3 of the First round NHL Playoffs between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs on April 15, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.(Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Andreas Johnsson by Jame Tanner

One of the most egregious errors that Mike Babcock made was starting Andreas Johnsson on the fourth line this year.

He earned his job last year, and he was clearly the team’s best winger, to everyone but the coach. The rookie forward didn’t let that get him down, he just played great until the coach was forced to move him up the lineup.

Johnsson finished the year with 20 goals and 43 points, while skating on the left side with Auston Matthews.

Johnsson’s 53.85%CF was second best on the team (after Nylander). He also scored 2.49 points per 60, which was fourth on the team, and well ahead of Kasperi Kapanen. (In case you’re wondering who the Leafs should pick, if it comes to that).

A. . LW. Toronto Maple Leafs. ANDREAS JOHNSSON

Johnsson’s points/60 was 24th in the NHL among players who had 800 minutes 5v5.  This was the 8th best total among left wings, higher than Ovechkin and Huberdeau, who had 52 goals and 92 points respectively.

Johnsson get’s an A, and we get to wonder what he could have done if promoted earlier. (Or if the Leafs used a more balanced PP approach).

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