2022-2023 Toronto Maple Leafs Player Grades: Part 3

The 2022-23 The Toronto Maple Leafs season had the trappings of every Hollywood motion picture – heroes emerging, character arcs, villains ruining the day – except it was missing the signature happy ending.

The Toronto Maple Leafs players starred in a sequel of that drama filled horror film that fans have struggled through, eyes squinting at times, for the seventh time.

Leafs Nation has watched this picture play out over and over, yet they still keep buying tickets, the moment the credits roll.

One of these years, the Leafs will write a new script.

Some of the cast won’t return for the 2023-24 installment, but the core of the ensemble is back for another version; trying to capture a Stanley Cup (they are Oscar ineligible since Michael Bunting is gone) for the first time in more than half a century .

More changes should be coming before the Toronto Maple Leafs dress for opening night. The season premiere is set for Wednesday, October 11 at home in the Scotiabank Arena against their storied rival Montreal Canadiens. Before we get to another winter blockbuster for this franchise, let’s take a look back at how some of their players performed last year.

Only returning players that appeared in a combined three games (regular season plus playoffs) will be considered. We will cover forwards first and no better place to start than the Maple Leafs’ captain, John Tavares.

Here are the previous entries into this series:  Player Grades Part 1.

And of course, Part 2.