Not: David Kampf
After being one of the Leafs most trusted defensive forwards in the past few seasons, David Kampf has been uncharacteristically underperforming so far for Toronto this season. Even with defense being his main focus, Kampf had chipped in with some surprising offensive output in his previous years. However, his offense has been mostly absent in his nine games in 2024-25, as he has registered just one assist.
More significantly, he has started to get less time on the Leafs penalty kill, down almost an entire minute on average compared to previous years. As his effectiveness and usage continues to diminish, Kampf’s role on the team going forward could be in serious jeopardy, especially with players returning from the IR soon.
Hot: Anthony Stolarz
The Leafs probably wouldn’t even be where they are today without the stellar play of goaltender Anthony Stolarz. Signed in free agency during the past offseason to serve in tandem with Joseph Woll, Stolarz appeared to have stolen the crease for the time being with his stellar start to the season.
After spending almost his entire career mainly as a backup, he was thrusted into the starter’s role when Woll began the year on the IR. Stolarz has managed to run away with it as he has compiled a 4-2-1 record with a solid 2.45 GAA and .916 save percentage in seven starts to date. More importantly, he has looked calm and composed when manning the Leafs crease, giving the team a chance to win every night in the process. (All stats from hockey-reference.com and NHL.com)
Hot: Mitch Marner
After a disappointing playoffs last season, Mitch Marner was looking for some redemption entering the 2024-25 NHL season. Well, he has certainly looked like a man on a mission so far for the Leafs. Marner currently leads the team in scoring with one goal, 10 assists for 11 points, while playing in all situations on the ice.
With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, there’s no doubt he will be playing his heart out for the team and for that next big contract at the same time