3 Toronto Maple Leafs Who Can Break Out or Bounce Back Next Season
The Toronto Maple Leafs are loaded with talent, and with their recent additions in free agency we could potentially see a lot of bounce back years next season.
With the recent additions the Toronto Maple Leafs have made this offseason so far, I say Kyle Dubas and staff did a great job.
With the loads of talent comes high expectations, some players may have had a down year last season and some may not have high expectations at all this coming season.
Let’s look at three Toronto Maple Leafs to watch out for next season.
3. Joe Thornton – 41 years old – C
2019-20 stats – 70 GP – 7 G – 24 A – 31 PTS – 52.7% CF%
Career stats – 1636 GP – 420 G – 1089 A – 1509 PTS – 55.6% CF%
Now you may be thinking why is Joe Thornton on this list, the man is 41 years old and way past his prime, he can’t be any good….well that’s where you’re wrong. Well I mean yes he’s well past his prime but Thornton can still be a very good hockey player with the role that is given to him.
For the last two seasons in San Jose he has played third line centre and has averaged around 15:30 a night in those two seasons while putting up respectable numbers. In 143 games throughout the last two seasons he has put up 82 points, strong numbers for someone his age in his role. The man is also a future hall of famer and arguably one of the best playmakers of all-time, I think its safe to say he will be a great addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs wherever he plays.
I think it’s reasonable to say Thornton can put up at least another 30 point season while playing bottom six minutes and most likely on the second power play too. Beyond the points, he will be looked upon for leadership and his experience. (Stats from Hockey-Reference.com).
2. Alex Kerfoot – 26 years old – C/LW
2019-20 stats – 65 GP – 9 G – 19 A – 28 PTS – 53.0% CF%
Career stats – 222 GP – 43 G – 70 A – 113 PTS – 51.0% CF%
At my number two spot on this list I have someone who I definitely think can have a bounce back season and that we should all watch out for, Alex Kerfoot. Last season Kerfoot provided excellent defense, and was a versitle player who moved up the lineup and played with the Leafs best players due to injury. Overall, he scored at the same rate as John Tavares 5v5.
Kerfoot posted 28 points in 65 games this past season while bouncing up and down the lineup constantly. He also suffered an injury as well as a suspension, so it was quite the rollercoaster of a season for Kerfoot.
Before his days in Toronto, Alex was a 40 point scorer in Colorado putting up 43 and 42 points in his first two years in the league. This year for the Leafs he scored less overall, but at even strength he scored more per minute than he did last year.
This coming season I really think Alex Kerfoot could take another step and force people to reevaluate their thoughts on the trade that brought him here. If Kerfoot can produce at least 30-40 points while providing excellent defense he should be able to do just that.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 27: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
1. Morgan Rielly – 26 years old – LD
2019-20 stats – 47 GP – 3 G – 24 A – 27 PTS – 51.5% CF%
Career stats – 517 GP – 54 G – 216 A – 270 PTS – 50.1% CF%
At the top spot on this list is Morgan Rielly.
Compared to his performance two seasons ago, Rielly had a bit of a down year in 2019-20 because he went from 72 points in 82 games in 2018-19 to falling down to 27 points in 47 games this past season.
Rielly missed over 20 games with an injury, and before that he was said to playing through an injury, which explains his down season. This year we should see improvement because he’s starting the season healthy again.
Second of all, he finally gets to be paired with another top pairing defensemen in TJ Brodie, who will be, by far, the best partner he’s ever had. By bringing in Brodie via free agency I strongly think that this will be a great fit for both players and will really benefit Rielly’s game a ton.
Next. Who Is the NHL's Best Team?. dark
I wouldn’t be shocked if we see Rielly go back to being a 50 plus point guy in a full season, however if it is a shortened season who knows how many points he will put up, let’s just hope they are the right fit together and he plays how he played in seasons prior.