With the initial announcement of the first 32 players selected to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, the lone representative for the Toronto Maple Leafs so far is none other than superstar Auston Matthews.
His nomination is truly deserving as not only is he currently leading the Toronto Maple Leafs in goals with 31, including a hot stretch in December in which he scored 15 in 11 games, he is actually currently leading the entire league in that distinguished category as well.
But with many of the other Leafs having great seasons so far, one should expect one or more of them to join Matthews at the All-Star Game, especially the fact it is being held in Toronto this year. But for them to get in, they will have to prevail in the voting process.
Here, we take a quick look at some of Matthews’ teammates that are just as deserving to get the call.
Which Other Toronto Maple Leafs Should Make This Year’s All-Star Game?
William Nylander
This one should be a no-brainer. William Nylander is currently having his best season of his career. Not only is he averaging almost 1.5 points per game and leading the Leafs in scoring for the first time in his career, he is also among the top 5 scorers in the league as well. He signed an extension this week, and is currently leading all-star voting.
Morgan Rielly
After enduring a somewhat down season in 2022-23 where he scored only 4 goals and totalled 41 points in 65 games, Morgan Rielly made up for some of it by having a strong playoffs with 12 points in just 11 games.
He has managed to carry that momentum into the 2023-24 season as he has currently put up 4 goals and 30 points in just 37 games, while finally showing some improvement in his defensive play this season. More importantly, he has kept himself within the top 10 in scoring for defenseman for much of the season.
Mitch Marner
Finally, of course there’s none other than Mitch Marner. He may not be having the magical-type season just yet after a slow start, but he has heated up a bit recently with 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in his last 17 games.
Playing in all situations, whether on the power play, short-handed, or at even strength, Marner has always had an overall impact on the game whether offensively or defensively. His stats may be slightly behind some of his competitors, but perhaps the voice of the Leafs faithful will be enough to get him in as the perennial fan favorite. (All stats from hockey-reference.com)
Hopefully, we will see at least one or more Leafs join Matthews in the end to celebrate the All-Star festivities coming up in less than a month’s time.