Recap – Toronto Maple Leafs to Watch in the 2022 Olympics
Altogether, that’s a list of eight Leafs that could crack a roster spot on their country’s Olympic teams. It’s an impressive number, but it will likely be limited to six.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a very talented roster. Players will get featured on four (maybe five) teams at the Olympics, so you will have a lot to watch. Here are the players by country:
Canada
- Mitch Marner
- Morgan Rielly
- John Tavares
- Jake Muzzin
U.S.A.
- Auston Matthews (My lock)
Sweden
- William Nylander
Czech Republic
- Petr Mrazek
Russia
- Ilya Mikheyev (My darkhorse)
I listed my lock and darkhorse to make their respective national teams. For obvious reasons, Auston Matthews will play on the top line for the U.S.A. That is unless injuries hold him out.
Ilya Mikheyev is fighting an uphill battle but wants a more prominent role with the Leafs to prove himself. If he gets his wish and takes advantage of it, he could crack the lineup on the fourth line or extra forward. It’s more realistic than some believe.
Most of you will want to watch Team Canada. That may be because you are Canadian or because there is the possibility of four Maple Leafs playing on the team.
It’s the first time since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey NHL players will play in an international tournament. I’m not counting the World Championship because the top players don’t play. If you don’t remember, the NHL didn’t allow their players to play in the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang.
Thankfully, things are different this time around. After eight years of waiting, the time is almost here. The 2020 Olympics in Beijing begin on February 4th, with hockey expected to start on the 3rd. It’s odd, but hey, give me some Olympic hockey. ( All Stats courtesy of Elite Prospects).
Regardless, this is some of the most entertaining hockey you can watch. The NHL doesn’t like it, but it’s true. Sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy the best-on-best tournament.