Grading The Toronto Maple Leafs at Quarter Mark of Season
![Oct 14, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) celebrates with forwards Mitchell Marner (16) and Auston Matthews (34) and William Nylander (88) after scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports Oct 14, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) celebrates with forwards Mitchell Marner (16) and Auston Matthews (34) and William Nylander (88) after scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/4c179b896da0d83c14fa5d12a50a50ee87f2ae4f110abeb9a8dd57bf63d3f83a.jpg)
Grades for Toronto Maple Leafs Defensemen
Morgan Rielly: A
Morgan Rielly is having a good start to his 2023-24 season. He has registered three goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 20 games. Unfortunately, Rielly is the only real bright spot on the Leafs defense this season. The Toronto Maple Leafs longest serving player on the active roster is proving he’s still got it.
Mark Giordano: B+
Mark Giordano is 40 years old, and it is starting to show, but luckily, not too much. He’s still playing decent defensively and already has 48 blocked shots. Giordano has five points through 20 games.
T.J. Brodie: B
T.J. Brodie’s play continues to show signs of decline. Like Giordano, Brodie has 48 blocked shots through 20 games, but he’s taken more penalties at the wrong time. Brodie has three points so far this season.
Jake McCabe: C+
Jake McCabe has missed some time this season due to injury. He has one point in 14 games. He’s looked better since returning from injury, so hopefully, his play will continue to improve as the season moves forward.
Timothy Liljegren: C+
Timothy Liljegren has only played 11 games due to injury, so it’s a bit harder to grade him. He has a high ceiling, and the Leafs could really use him once he’s 100%.
William Lagesson: C
William Lagesson has done a fine job filling in while the Leafs blueline is riddled with injuries. He has one assist in 12 games but has to limit the giveaways.
John Klingberg: D
John Klingberg registered five assists in 14 games before an injury caused him to be placed on LTIR. Although he averaged 20 minutes a night, and his overall Corsi For is 54.5%, Klingberg has been awful this season. His injury clearly hampered his play.