The Toronto Maple Leafs are loaded with tons of talent and some of their players should compete for individual awards next season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a ton of players on their roster that have the capability to perform at the highest possible level.
With talent comes the possibility of being one of the best players in the whole league and potentially winning some hardware.
From Tavares, to Rielly to Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Andersen, not to mention their coach and GM, several players on the Leafs roster could conceivably win awards next season. Here are the three that I think are the most likely.
3. Vezina Trophy – Frederik Andersen – 31 years old – G
2019-20 stats – 52 GP – 29 W – 13 L – 7 OTL – 2.85 GAA – .909 SV%
Career stats – 358 GP – 213 W – 92 L – 45 OTL – .2.63 GAA – .917 SV%
It may be a long shot after last season, but I have Frederik Andersen winning the Vezina Trophy. Now, yes, I know what you’re thinking, you’re probably thinking I’m crazy right now for putting him on this list,, but hear me out. Andersen has been one of the best goalie in the NHL for the last five or so seasons. During his best years in Toronto, he played in front of terrible defensive teams and helped the Leafs qualify for the playoffs when their team maybe wasn’t quite all the way there yet.
I know he had a very bad year this past season posting up statistically his worst season as an NHL goalie and was also a below average goalie during the second half of the season, but you also have to take into account that he is one of if not the most overworked goalie in the league and faces a ton of shots every game. Not to mention the normal volatility of the position.
Andersen is arguably a top 10 goalie in the league in some peoples eyes, and when this man is on his game he seems like he is unstoppable. Expect Andersen to bounce back next season and compete for, and possibly win, the first major award of his career. (Stats from Hockey-Reference.com)