The Toronto Maple Leafs have not been at the top of their division since the 1999-2000 season other than that time they won the all-Canadian division in 2020.
The Atlantic Division was called the North East division at the time as part of league realignment in 1993, before being changed to what fans now know as the Atlantic in the 2013-2014 season. With 52 games played in the 2024-2025 season, the Maple Leafs are second in the Atlantic just three points off the pace.
Against divisional opponents the Toronto Maple Leafs have a record of 11-5-1 with a goal differential of +14 with 66 GF and 52 GA.
The Leafs won both of their games against the Buffalo Sabres, two games against Detroit, three games against Tampa Bay, two games against Montreal and two against Boston. The Buds have lost both of their games against the Sens as well as their only contest against the Panthers. They have also lost one game to the Bruins, Canadians and Wings. The Leafs still have five more divisional contests left, with big tests arising from Ottawa and Florida who they are yet to beat this season.
A Breakdown of the Maple Leafs vs Atlantic Division Opponents
Within the Atlantic division the Leafs are offensively gifted having the most GF per GP against Atlantic teams at 4.1. Toronto has managed to score 5+ goals in 6 divisional wins demonstrating their success when it comes to scoring. Defensively the Leafs are 3rd in GA per GP against Atlantic Division teams allowing 2.90 GA a game. The Leafs have had five main contributors against divisional opponents, with Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies and John Tavares combining for 40 goals of Toronto’s 66 GF against Atlantic teams.
However the Leafs struggle on the road as they are 4-4-1 against their Atlantic Division opponents where they allowed 4+ goals on 3 different losses. The Leafs third pairing of Benoit/Timmins (sometimes Myers) has a 3.12 GA per 60 minutes. This type of defense from a third pair needs to be better in order for the Leafs to hold their spot atop the Atlantic.
For the first time in a very long time the Leafs have a real opportunity to seize the Atlantic division. Against their Atlantic opponents Toronto has performed admirably and demonstrated they are able to run with the best, including former champs the Florida Panthers.
If the Leafs can win the division, it will give them a much better shot at winning the Stanley Cup.