Calle Järnkrok’s Career Year Not Going Unnoticed By Toronto Maple Leafs

This past off-season, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Calle Järnkrok to a four year deal with a cap hit of $2.1M.

Since then, fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs have seemingly gone through phases where they loved the player and times where they think he’s ineffective.

Well, I think it’s time that Järnkrok gets some well deserves credit for the season he has been having.

Järnkrok has never been a star player in the NHL but that doesn’t mean he is an ineffective player.

Calle Järnkrok’s Career Year Not Going Unnoticed By Toronto Maple Leafs

A key thing Järnkrok is often praised for (even before he joined the Leafs is his versatility as a forward).

He has spent time both on the wing and up the middle. It’s important to have depth wingers that can slot into the middle if needed due to injury and I’m sure that was at least a small part of the consideration in Dubas offering him a contract.

Järnkrok’s hard work this season has landed him at a career high in goals with 17 and he’s tied for his career high in points with 35.

Note this is with only 62 games played compared to his previous career highs in goals and points being over 68 games. With over 10 games left to play it looks as if Järnkrok may be headed for his first ever 20 goal campaign and first 40 point season.

This is all while having new linemates frequently. Järnkrok has certainly brought versatility to the Toronto Maple Leafs and his efforts are starting to pay off and catch the attention of coaches and teammates.

Järnkrok Catching the Attention of Auston Matthews

One of the recent people to notice the success of Järnkrok lately is Auston Matthews.

In a recent post-game interview, while receiving some praise from head coach Keefe, Keefe revealed that they wanted to get a look at Matthews and Matthews also felt strongly about getting an extended look with Järnkrok. (Interview).

Järnkrok has looked great so far with Matthews and having an underrated shot on the same line as the team’s best shot looks like it can be a solid recipe for success.

So far in their 60 minutes of icetime together, Järnkrok and Matthews have an xG% of 66.14 according to Natural Stat Trick. If the Leafs are able to drive play with these two on the ice it opens up further flexibility once O’Reilly returns to the lineup.

It seems like Järnkrok is finding his groove with the team and at the perfect time too. So far, the Swedish forward has been well worth his contract.