Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Most Likely To Have A Breakout Season

ByWilbert Timmermans|
TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 7: Matt Martin #15 and Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs smile during player introductions prior to the game against the New York Rangers October 7, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 7: Matt Martin #15 and Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs smile during player introductions prior to the game against the New York Rangers October 7, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
6 of 7
OTTAWA, ON - SEPTEMBER 18: Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Ilya Mikheyev (65) keeps eyes on the play during third period National Hockey League preseason action between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on September 18, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - SEPTEMBER 18: Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Ilya Mikheyev (65) keeps eyes on the play during third period National Hockey League preseason action between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on September 18, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Alex Hobson

My candidate for a breakout season is none other than Ilya Mikheyev.

The Leafs’ top six this season is more or less set in stone. The top line will feature Auston Matthews in the middle with Andreas Johnsson and William Nylander on either wing, while the second line will have John Tavares centering Mitch Marner and Kasperi Kapanen.

Mikheyev was brought in by the Leafs on a one-year entry-level contract after a successful KHL season where he put up 45 points in 62 games. He has a great combination of offensive skill/goal scoring ability, as well as good size at 6’3 and 195lbs. He will more than likely fill the role left by Patrick Marleau.

While the third line isn’t confirmed, there’s been a reason to believe that it will be composed of Mikheyev, Alex Kerfoot, and Trevor Moore. If this is the case, then Mikheyev could be in line to record a 40-50 point season. Kerfoot put up 42 points last season and Moore impressed in his small sample size last season with eight points in 25 games.

The biggest thing I’ve noticed from watching preseason games this year is that whether it be games featuring AHLers or NHLers, the Leafs have no quit. There doesn’t appear to be a single weak link on the team. Hell, even players considered to be weak (Martin Marincin, Cody Ceci, etc) have looked good so far.

The fact that Mikheyev will have the opportunity to play alongside skilled players in Moore & Kerfoot and may also see some time on the power play could do absolute wonders for him, and I think he’s poised to have a great season.

Home/Editorials