The all-too-familiar ending to the Toronto Maple Leafs season last year shined a light on several players who didn’t live up to expectations. Up and down the lineup, question marks emerged about individual players’ performances throughout the season and playoffs.
But this upcoming season brings about a new opportunity to start over. With a new coach in town, there’s a chance that these three players could have solid bounce-back seasons as they look to help the Toronto Maple Leafs get over the proverbial playoff hump.
It’s worth mentioning that two of these players are entering contract years. That situation means they need to prove that they still have it to remain in the NHL.
With that in mind, here’s a look at three players looking to bounce back for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024-25.
Three Players Looking to Bounce Back This Upcoming Season
#3: Timothy Liljegren
Liljegren has been an ongoing saga, hoping that this will be the year he breaks out as a top-pairing defenseman. He’s still 25, so there is hope that he could still blossom into a high-level NHL blueliner. It seems the Leafs believe he still has potential to grow, considering they signed him to a contract extension this summer.
Last season, Liljegren was limited to 55 games between injuries and healthy scratches. When he did get into the lineup, he was essentially on the bottom pairing with Mark Giordano, but he played throughout the lineup and, when Rielly went down, he got an audition on the top pairing.
However, his spot on the team is a little shaky. The Leafs right-side is slightly questionable, and will likely have one lefty - either OEL or McCabe - on the right side. If it's McCabe, then Liljegren will be back on the third pairing due to the addition of Chris Tanev.
If the Leafs use OEL on the right side, there is every chance that Lijegren is better and can take minutes from him, though he'll likely start below him on the depth-chart.
At the end of the day, this is Liljegren’s last chance to prove that he's more than just a third pairing defender. Plus, the bump from Craig Berube could provide Liljegren with the boost he needs to fulfill his promise. That is why I believe Timothy Liljegren could have a solid bounce-back year.