Which Toronto Maple Leafs players have impressed most, so far?

Which Toronto Maple Leafs players have impressed most, so far?

Bobby McMann

McMann broke out last season, scoring 15 goals and 24 points in 56 games, this came after years of being considered a 'dark horse' type candidate to breakthrough to the NHL. His impressive play earned him a two-year contract extension with a $1.35 million AAV. Starting the season as a healthy scratch was surprising but as a player on the fringes of the roster and with a new coach in town, not entirely shocking. Despite this, he has seemed to show no signs of going back. 

Since returning to the lineup, McMann has been on fire scoring three goals in four games playing mostly on the second or third line. Although this level of performance is likely just some shooting luck, since becoming a mainstay last season McMann has scored 18 goals in 60 games which puts him at a near 25-goal pace over an entire season. Not bad for an undrafted free agent brought up on a minor league contract.

Anthony Stolarz

In Joseph Woll’s absence to start the year, Stolarz has been able to step up quite well. Even in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers, Stolarz stopped 25 of 27 shots he faced. Through four games this season he has a 2-2-0 record and a .937 SV%. He is currently ninth in the league in Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) according to moneypuck.com.

Like McMann, this level of performance is probably a little too high to expect to be maintained, as his career high in save percentage came last season with the Florida Panthers where he posted a .925 SV% through 27 games. However, with his track record, he could still prove to be the best acquisition from the off-season if he can maintain his save percentage above a .915% down the stretch. Especially if Woll’s injury troubles continue to be an issue moving forward.