Toronto Maple Leafs: Thoughts on Sandin, Dermott, and Matthews

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his game tying goal against the Edmonton Oilers with teammates John Tavares #91 and Justin Holl #3 during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 27, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Oilers 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his game tying goal against the Edmonton Oilers with teammates John Tavares #91 and Justin Holl #3 during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 27, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Oilers 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 13: Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs   (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 13: Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs   (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

52 games into the Toronto Maple Leafs 56-game schedule, the Scotia North Division crown is there for the taking and no foe seems too large Canada’s team cannot conquer.

Just coming off of a five-game win streak (after a recent OT loss to Montreal), the Blue and White have set themselves apart from their potential playoff opponents, further developing the narrative Toronto should be able to sleepwalk to a final four appearance.

This team has a chance to secure their first division crown since 1999-00. This team could have their first MVP finalist since 1993.

At 33-13-6, all that remains for Kyle Dubas and Sheldon Keefe’s team is to improve upon their playoff habits and prepare for a lengthy postseason run.

From the emergence of Rasmus Sandin in the absence of Zach Bogosian, to the first impressions of newcomer Nick Foligno, to lastly the ‘Campbell for Vezina’ campaign back in full effect, let’s get into the latest from Leafsnation.

(stats for this article as of May 3rd)