After free agency, TSN analyst and former NHL goaltender Martin Biron ranked the Toronto Maple Leafs among his top five teams of the offseason. Over a month later, his opinion has not changed.
Biron recently appeared on TSN's OverDrive. Guest host Jim Tatti asked him to rate the Maple Leafs' offseason. The former Buffalo Sabres goaltender covered many key areas, including Gavin McKenna, Auston Matthews, Sergei Bobrovsky, and the team's maligned blue line. He gave a very positive assessment of the new roster put together by general manager John Chayka.
Biron Believes the Matthews-McKenna Dynamic Duo Will Click
The TSN analyst first discussed the Leafs' first overall pick, McKenna. He wondered if the top prospect would help Matthews return to his previous scoring levels of sixty or more goals. "So, is Gavin McKenna going to have that influence? I think it's going to be a good match," said Biron.
"So, is Gavin McKenna going to have that influence? I think it is going to be a good match."Biron on Matthews-McKenna
Biron doesn't think the Maple Leafs' rookie will hit eighty points during his first year, but suggested that 15 goals and 45 assists for 60 points isn't out of the question. He added that if thirty of those assists are for Matthews, it will help the former Rocket Richard winner reach fifty goals or more.
Matthews and Bobrovsky are Key to a Leafs Turnaround
Next, Biron shifted to Bobrovsky's presence in the net. He noted that Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll played well when healthy, but stated that being available is a big part of being an NHL goaltender, and they weren't reliable.
Biron then listed Bobrovsky's attributes that make him a great addition. "You have to go get a guy that, you know, number one, loves to play and plays often, and is a workhorse, and (has) been there, done that. I think the addition of Sergei Bobrovsky could be the difference-maker for me," he said. Biron remarked that Bobrovsky could help the Leafs finish in the top two or three teams in the Atlantic Division.
Co-host Frankie Corrado then asked Biron which of Matthews or Bobrovsky was more important to the Leafs' success in 2026-27. Biron thinks Bobrovsky's days of elite numbers are past him, but he will still make big saves in key moments. He picked Matthews as the key to Toronto's success.
Even if Bobrovsky were to play at a Vezina Trophy level, Biron believes it's Matthews, playing at a Rocket Richard, Hart Trophy-level, that will garner more wins for the Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs Defense Depends on Chris Tanev's Health
Lastly, Biron was asked if the Maple Leafs' defense was good enough. "It's good enough to me if (Chris) Tanev can stay healthy," he replied. Biron liked the Leafs' addition of Emil Andrae, describing him as "a good, young defenseman that has a lot of upside."
Biron also likes that with newcomer Darren Raddysh, Jake McCabe, and Tanev back in the fold, Morgan Rielly will be relieved of pressure and not have to worry about being the "top dog." On the Toronto blue line, Biron said, "I like what they've got."
Biron's optimistic outlook reminds us that a Maple Leafs resurgence hinges on their star power performing. The chemistry of McKenna and Matthews, combined with steadiness from Bobrovsky, can also help the team rebound. The true ceiling of the Leafs, however, rests with the blue line, and specifically the durability of Tanev. If he can stay healthy, Biron's bold forecast might prove to be reality.
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