The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari on February 17th. Since then, both players have played in Toronto’s last five games. They fit in the Maple Leafs’ lineup like a perfectly sized glove.
When Toronto Maple Leafs’ general manager Kyle Dubas pulled off the trade for O’Reilly and Acciari, many in Leafs Nation were thrilled. O’Reilly brings depth and experience, while Acciari brings a much-needed physical presence. They have performed their roles to a tee since coming to Toronto.
O’Reilly has recorded three goals and two assists for five points in five games. He is averaging 16:14 minutes of ice time with Toronto and has won 73.2% of his faceoffs. The Maple Leafs couldn’t be happier with how well O’Reilly fits in. His voice in the locker room and leadership skills are a bonus.
Acciari has fit in just as nicely in Toronto, but for different reasons than O’Reilly. Since joining the Maple Leafs, Acciari has recorded one goal, but goals are not why he was acquired. His biggest asset is what he does without the puck. Acciari has five blocked shots and 19 hits in five games with Toronto. He is averaging 13:39 minutes of ice time and has also won 60% of his faceoffs.
What comes next for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
All indications point towards Toronto GM Kyle Dubas not being finished with the trade market. He knows the Maple Leafs’ playoff path will likely go through Tampa Bay and Boston. Preparing this Maple Leafs team to handle those two teams is his main focus.
When it comes to O’Reilly, he is likely going to get moved down into the third-line center spot. Although things are working nicely with him centering the second line with John Tavares on his wing, Toronto will be stronger up the middle with Auston Matthews, Tavares, and O’Reilly centering different lines.
As for Acciari, he will be expected to keep doing what he’s doing. Having him play on a line with Zack Aston-Reese will come in handy during the playoffs. Both players like to hit everything that moves. Toronto’s head coach Sheldon Keefe will rely on them to wear the other teams down with their physical play.
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The March 3rd trade deadline is this Friday. We will see what Dubas does between now and then to bolster this team. If he’s lucky, he will find another player that fits in as well as O’Reilly and Acciari.