The 3 biggest problems facing the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are decent, but held back from being a championship calibre team by the following three problems.

Oct 21, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi (11) defends against Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Oct 21, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi (11) defends against Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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Lack of Centres

The Toronto Maple Leafs simply do not have enough quality NHL centres in their lineup.

Auston Matthews is amazing. After that, they only have question marks. By now, John Tavares is probably a better winger than a centre. But they can't even try that, because after Tavares there is literally nothing.

The Leafs didn't sign any centres in the off-season, which everyone took to mean that they'd use William Nylander or Mitch Marner at centre. They gave Nylander about 47 seconds of an audition then mysteriously gave up on the idea.

Tavares was moved down to the third line centre role, and often used in a defensive way. This is confusing because he's a slow player who isn't particularly good at defense. Also, he almost always has either Pacioretty or Robertson with him, and they are both not that good at defense either.

Often times Tavares has been paired with both Robertson and Pacioretty and that is three shooters who aren't known for their passing. It's a very confusing roster decision by the coach, which, unsurprisingly, hasn't been working.

The Leafs have been playing Domi at centre, and ahead of Tavares. This is crazy because he has not been good. Also, Domi is nowhere near as good as Tavares. Domi should never be playing centre, but the Leafs don't really have any choice.

And, if they do the logical thing and put Tavares at 2C, they then have the same problem as last year with is that their 3C is completely inept at playing defense.

As for 4C, they've been using Kampf and he's the most expensive fourth liner in the league. He can easily be replaced by Holmberg for half the cost. Unfortunately, the coach keeps trying to use Holmber in the top nine where he's outmatched.

Its only ten games into the season but the centre ice position has been a nightmare for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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