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3 Toronto Maple Leafs That Could be X Factors in the Playoffs

By Joseph Zita

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 18: Tyson Barrie #94 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 18, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 18: Tyson Barrie #94 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 18, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 27: Jason Spezza #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs.y. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

There is less than one week to go until the Toronto Maple Leafs start their play in series against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and there could be some x factors for the Leafs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to play game one of their play in series on August 2nd, and it should be a joy to watch them again.

However, with playoffs there is always players who either shock everyone and produce at a high rate or even a couple of players who are x factors in the series.

Before they start their series, here are three Toronto Maple Leafs who could be major x factors in the play in series against the Blue Jackets.

3. Jason Spezza – 37 years old – C

2019-20 stats – 58 GP – 9 G – 16 A – 25 PTS – 50.25% CF% (all stats naturalstattrick.com).

At my number three spot, I have Jason Spezza.

What a great season for Spezza this year, at least after Sheldon Keefe came on board. Despite entering his late 30s he is still a great player in this league, posting 25 points in 58 games this year in a somewhat limited role on the fourth line, and getting some power play time on the second unit.

His presence not only on the ice, but in the locker room has gone a long way for this Maple Leafs team this year. With the departure of Patrick Marleau and Ron Hainsey, having another veteran in Jason Spezza was a great addition. Potential future hall of famer, a lover of the game, and a great guy to be around.

These playoffs will truly show how signing Spezza in the offseason last year was a great choice, him on that fourth line generates the offence and him on the second power play unit as well includes a great passer and shooter.

He won’t be a guy that Columbus looks at as very dangerous compared to others on the team and they wont have their eyes on him 24/7 because they obviously have to keep their eyes on players like Matthews, Marner, Tavares, and Nylander.

However if they allow Spezza to get some shots and give him the space and time, he will produce and help out around too. I think he could be a sneaky player these playoffs and be an x factor for the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Stats from NHL.com)

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