Toronto Maple Leafs: The Good
William Nylander
William Nylander has been the best forward for the Leafs this season thus far, at least if you ignore Thursday's game. He has five goals and two assists for seven points in eight games. The 28-year-old is trying to become a 40-goal scorer for the third consecutive season. Last season was his best, with 40 goals and 58 assists for 98 points in 82 games. Can he become a 100-point player before Mitch Marner? It sure looks like he might. (All stats from hockey-reference.com)
Anthony Stolarz
Anthony Stolarz has a 3-2-0 record through his first five games, which, at a glance, doesn't look all that great, but his overall stats reflect otherwise. So far this season, Stolarz has yet to allow more than two goals a game. He has a 1.83 GAA and a .938 SV%. Stolarz joined the Maple Leafs as a free agent in the summer. He knew he would likely be playing as a tandem with Joseph Woll, but due to Woll's early season injury and poor showing against the Blues on Thursday, Stolarz is clearly the number-one goaltender in Toronto right now.
Steven Lorentz
Steven Lorentz has been a good addition to the Leafs fourth line. He brings a lot of energy and seems to be a good fit with linemates Ryan Reaves and David Kampf. Lorentz joined the Leafs as a free agent after helping the Panthers win the Stanley Cup. With a goal and an assist for two points in eight games, Lorentz is on pace to pass his three points from last season. The Leafs are hoping to get the Lorentz that finished the 2022-23 season with 19 points, 46 blocked shots, and 133 hits.