Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: Early Predictions for 2023-24 Regular Season

By Jeremy Ridgewell

May 14, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) celebrates with forward Mitch Marner (16) and forward Auston Matthews (34) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) celebrates with forward Mitch Marner (16) and forward Auston Matthews (34) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Toronto Maple Leafs
(Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Early Predictions for Toronto Maple Leafs Defensemen

Morgan Rielly

Morgan Rielly finished the 2022-23 regular season with four goals and 37 assists for 41 points in 65 games. The season before that, he recorded ten goals and 58 assists for 68 points in 82 games. Rielly will be looking to stay healthy this season and get back to 60+ points. The Maple Leafs didn’t get enough scoring from their blueline last season, so Rielly needs to produce.
(Stats from hockey-reference.com)

2023-24 Prediction: 8 Goals, 54 Assists, 62 Points

John Klingberg

John Klingberg will help add scoring from the blue line. Last season, Klingberg registered ten goals, and 23 assists for 33 points in 67 games. Adding Klingberg gives the Maple Leafs a scoring threat from their defense other than Rielly. Having two scoring threats on defense that each play 20+ minutes a night is a luxury.

2023-24 Prediction: 10 Goals, 38 Assists, 48 Points

Jake McCabe

Jake McCabe will get plenty of playing time with the Maple Leafs. He can play the left or right side, which allows head coach Sheldon Keefe to use him anywhere in the top two defense pairs. Last season McCabe registered three goals and 22 assists for 25 points in 76 games.

2023-24 Prediction: 5 Goals, 28 Assists, 33 Points

Timothy Liljegren

Timothy Liljegren had a decent second full season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but his production slipped slightly from the previous season. Last season he registered six goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 67 games. He recorded 23 points in 61 games during the 2021-22 season. Liljegren will have to work hard to earn a spot on one of the top two defense pairings.

2023-24 Prediction: 8 Goals, 20 Assists, 28 Points

Conor Timmins

Conor Timmins had trouble staying in the lineup last season. He still managed to produce 14 points in 25 games. If he can earn more playing time, his numbers should improve. The more production the Maple Leafs get from the defense, the better.

2023-24 Prediction: 5 Goals, 18 Assists, 23 Points

T. J. Brodie

T.J. Brodie is known more for his defense than his offense, but he can still produce. Brodie missed some time last season with an injury but still registered 14 points in 58 games. Hopefully, he can stay healthy this season.

2023-24 Prediction: 4 Goals, 16 Assists, 20 Points

Mark Giordano

Mark Giordano is not getting any younger, but the 39-year-old can still play. He continues to be a shot-blocking machine, with 147 blocked shots last season. However, with a decreased role and less playing time, I expect his point totals to drop this season. He registered four goals and 20 assists for 24 points in 78 games last season.

2023-24 Prediction: 3 Goals, 15 Assists, 18 Points

Home/Editorials