Alexander Kerfoot
Alexander Kerfoot is entering his third year with the Toronto Maple Leafs since being traded from the Colorado Avalanche prior to the 2019-20 season.
In his first season with the Leafs, Kerfoot scored only 9 goals and 28 points in 65 games, but most of those points were at 5v5 where his points per 60 matched that of John Tavares and was good for solid second line production. Throw in a 53% Corsi and a 52% expected-goals rating, and it was a decent first season for Kerfoot.
Kerfoot seemed to struggle under Mike Babcock, but then came the coaching change that season and under new head coach Sheldon Keefe, Kerfoot seemed to thrive a bit more. His ice time went up and he seemed to play better under Keefe’s system.
Although his overall numbers last were similar to his first season in Toronto, we have to remember that the 2020-21 season was a shortened season of just 56 games. Where Kerfoot stood out the most last season was in the playoffs. He had six points in seven games and was one of Toronto’s best players.
If he can carry that over into this season, we could see Kerfoot have a breakout year. We could finally see him reach the 20 goal plateau and try for 50 points. His career best is 19 goals and 43 points from his rookie season in 2017-18.