The Four Nations Faceoff is well underway (technically, it's over but this was submitted before last night's game) and the Toronto Maple Leafs have Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander representing their respective countries.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs amid a race for the top spot in the Atlantic division, this short break will help a few different players on the roster.
I feel like Leafs fans should be pretty happy with the performance thus far. Through all the injuries this team has had, they still sit just three points out of first in the Atlantic Division with two games at hand on Florida (standings from NHL.com).
With that being said, there are a few things on this team that need to be addressed. With the break upon us, I think we can see it help more than just a couple of players currently on the roster.
Which Maple Leafs Will Benifit the Most?
John Tavares
Heading into the final year of his seven-year deal where he is making 11 million dollars against the cap, many expected a tough year for Tavares (salary statistics from PuckPedia.com). So far, we have seen quite the opposite.
Tavares looks rejuvenated this season. Through 48 games, Tavares has scored 21 goals and 24 assists for a total of 45 points. His game looks stronger right now, and he has been relied on heavily with the team missing Matthews for a large chunk of the year.
This break comes at a good time for Tavares for different reasons than some of the other guys on this list. At the age of 34, Tavares could use the time to rest his legs and come back at the same level he has been playing at all year.
Getting this level of Tavares in the playoffs would be huge for the Leafs. They still need to acquire a centre, but Tavares has softened the blow of the lack of depth with his production this year.
Many fans wanted to see him in red and white representing Canada at the Four Nations, but I think Tavares staying home is a bigger benefit to the Leafs.