Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have three exceptional players looking to take the next step this season. Two of the players recently signed contract extensions, so they will want to prove to the Leafs that the team made the right choice.
Matthew Knies
Matthew Knies had a decent rookie season with 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points in 80 games last season. He proved he could play in the NHL and might be given more playing time this season with the Leafs. Under new Leafs head coach Craig Berube, Knies could turn into a very productive power forward. I don't think 25 goals and 50 points are out of reach for the 21-year-old.
Bobby McMann
It took Bobby McMann a bit longer than some to become an NHL regular, but at 27 years old, he did it last season. McMann registered 15 goals and nine assists for 24 points in 56 games with the Leafs. Like Knies, McMann will try to earn more playing time this season. The Leafs signed McMann to a 2-year contract extension, so they obviously see potential in him.
Joseph Woll
Joseph Woll will start the season playing as part of a tandem with newly signed goaltender Anthony Stolarz, but the goal is for him to become the Leafs number-one starter. Woll only has 36 games of NHL experience, but his stats are good enough that the Leafs didn't feel a need to acquire a starter in free agency. The Leafs signed him to a 3-year extension that begins in 2025, so they have high hopes for the 26-year-old.