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Reasons Why the Toronto Maple Leafs Can Survive the 1st Round

By Jeremy Ridgewell

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: Mark Giordano #55 of the Toronto Maple Leafs congratulates teammate Auston Matthews #34 on his 48th goal of the season into an empty net against the Florida Panthers during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 27, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Panthers 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: Mark Giordano #55 of the Toronto Maple Leafs congratulates teammate Auston Matthews #34 on his 48th goal of the season into an empty net against the Florida Panthers during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 27, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Panthers 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Apr 14, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting (58) celebrates with team mates at the bench after scoring against the Washington Capitals in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting . Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

What the Toronto Maple Leafs Added in 2021-22 Season

Toronto GM Kyle Dubas decided to take a different approach for the 2021-22 season.

He chose to keep Simmonds, sign Nick Ritchie, and he brought Clifford back.

That covers the toughness that fans keep asking management to get. Ritchie did not work out, but he got traded for Ilya Lyubushkin. The trade has worked out great for Toronto. Lyubushkin is a hitting machine, and fans love it.

Dubas added David Kampf, Ondrej Kase, and Michael Bunting for forward depth. Fans were not sure what they were getting from these three. They got two important depth players and one who was supposed to be a depth piece, but turned into a star (at least for one season). Each adds an important element to this Toronto Maple Leafs team.

Kampf has proven to be a solid bottom-six player who can kill penalties. Kase showcased that he can play anywhere in the lineup and produce offensively. Bunting has surprised everyone and has become a fan favorite. He is currently leading all NHL rookies in scoring with 63 points. Bunting also plays with toughness and can draw penalties.

This year’s Toronto Maple Leafs team is more well-rounded than previous years. It also looks like Dubas finally added the right pieces at the trade deadline. Adding Mark Giordano and Colin Blackwell to this team has been a perfect fit. Toronto has a winning record of 12-2-1 since they joined.

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