The Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves in first place in the Atlantic Division on Monday morning. All thanks to a successful weekend with back-to-back wins over the Carolina Hurricanes (6-3) and Chicago Blackhawks (5-2).
The Toronto Maple Leafs couldn't have asked for a better return to regular action after the two-week break for the Four Nations Face-Off tournament. The players seem to be rejuvenated, and the goaltending duo of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz showed no signs of rust.
Outscoring your opponents 11-5 over two games is impressive. It's even more amazing when nine of the 11 goals came from players in the bottom six and defense. The "Core Four" of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares combined for two goals. Matthews (EN) and Tavares each scored a goal in the 6-3 win over the Hurricanes.
Getting offense from the bottom six has been a season-long struggle for the Leafs. Hopefully, they will continue to help produce offense and make the Leafs harder to play against. Another pleasant surprise on the weekend was seeing the Leafs get two goals from their defense. The Leafs defense had a combined 13 goals before Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe scored this weekend. Goals from the defense are helpful, so I hope they can keep it going down the final stretch of the season.
(Stats from hockey-reference.com)
Toronto Maple Leafs Couldn't be Happier
Leafs general manager Brad Treliving should be a very happy man right now. His goaltending is playing great, his defense is having a decent season, his star players appear to be healthy and producing well, and his bottom six has come to life.
With bottom six forwards Connor Dewar and Calle Jarnkrok close to returning from injury, some moves will be needed. Alex Steeves will, unfortunately, be sent back down to the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, but with the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, Treliving could capitalize on some of his bottom six players playing well by using them as trade chips.
If players like Robertson, Holmberg, and Domi can keep registering points heading into the deadline, they will become more attractive trade bait for Treliving. The Leafs have never had a time better than now to go all-in at the trade deadline, so I hope Treliving will do everything he can to equip the Leafs for a long playoff run.
The Leafs first-round pick in 2026, top prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan should all be available for the right player in return. Some bottom six players will need to go as well to make enough salary cap space for incoming players.