Maple Leafs
A preview of the 2025-26 NHL season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, including predictions from VSiN NHL Expert Jonathan Davis. For all other NHL team previews, check out our NHL page.
Key Additions: Nic Roy, Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, Michael Pezzeta, Henry Thrun
Key Departures: Mitch Marner, Max Pacioretty, Pontus Holmberg, Ryan Reaves
Overview
Toronto’s run of nine consecutive trips to the playoffs is the longest current streak of any NHL team, but they have two playoff series wins to show for it. Their second-round exit to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Panthers in seven games had to be especially disheartening; it marked their sixth consecutive Game 7 loss in the playoffs. There will be a noticeable difference when the Leafs hit the ice this season. After nine seasons, Toronto native Mitch Marner is now with Vegas.
Offense
The Maple Leafs offense was potent, finishing seventh in the NHL with 267 goals scored. But with Marner now on the Golden Knights, Auston Matthews is going to need a new trigger man. Marner assisted on 296 of Matthews’ 401 regular-season goals over his time in Toronto. Marner’s absence will also be felt on the penalty kill, as he was the Leafs most-utilized forward when the team was shorthanded. Matias Maccelli, who was acquired via trade, looks like he will get first crack at filling Marner’s spot on the top line with Matthews and Matthew Knies. In just his second full season, Knies scored 29 goals.
William Nylander scored a career-high 45 goals, making it three consecutive 40-goal seasons and joined John Tavares on the second line. Tavares’ 38 goals were his most since 2018-19 (47), but he struggled in the playoffs, scoring in just one of the Maple Leafs last nine playoff games. Nic Roy, acquired in the Marner deal, centers the third line and will take Marner’s spot on the penalty kill.
Defense
The Leafs gave up the eighth-fewest goals overall last season and only the Kings and Jets gave up fewer than the 136 goals at 5-on-5 given up by Toronto. The blue line, though, lacks offensive punch. As a group, they scored 21 goals, ranked dead last in the NHL. Morgan Rielly, long considered Toronto’s best offensive defenseman, had just one power play goal. Whether it’s blocking shots or laying a punishing check, this D-core will sacrifice their body to make a play. Simon Benoit’s 204 hits ranked him seventh overall and Chris Tanev’s 189 blocked shots was sixth-most among defenseman last season.
Goaltending
Anthony Stolarz was outstanding last season, but the combination of a puck to the head, as well as a Sam Bennett elbow to the noggin, in Game 1 of their series with the Panthers left Stolarz with a concussion and done for the playoffs. His 21 regular season wins and four shutouts were career-highs. He started all six games against Ottawa in Round 1, giving up just 14 goals. In Joseph Woll, the Leafs have a more than capable backup. Woll’s 27 wins and 41 starts both surpassed his career totals.
Player to Watch
I am going with Auston Matthews. It’s time for Matthews to play like he hates to lose more than he likes to win. When Toronto was eliminated last season by Florida, Matthews said we were eliminated because we had “too many passengers”. As the captain, Matthews needed to fall on the sword and at least add that he needed to better.
Outlook
“We’ve got to find a way to create the team, both between the ears and personnel, to be our best at the critical moments.” Those are the words from Leafs GM, Brad Treliving. I have zero interest in betting on any Maple Leafs future tickets. I can be persuaded to play Nylander Over 39.5 goals (-115).
Team Futures
Regular Season Points: 99.5
To Make the Playoffs: -380
To Miss the Playoffs: +180
To Win the Atlantic Division: +330
To Win the Eastern Conference: +850
To Win the Stanley Cup: +2000
2024-25 Recap
Record: 52-26-4, 108 points (1st Atlantic)
Over/Under: 38-41-3
Home Favorite: 22-11 // Home Dog: 5-3
Road Favorite: 16-8 // Road Dog: 8-9
Win Score 4 or more: 35 of 52 // Lose Give Up 4 or more: 19 of 30
Puck Line Wins: 30 of 52 // Puck Line Losses: 22 of 30
Front End Back-to-Back: 10-6 // Back End Back-to-Back: 10-6
Points Leader: Mitch Marner – 102
Goal Leader: William Nylander – 45
Assist Leader: Mitch Marner – 75
Shots on Goal Leader: Auston Matthews – 261, William Nylander – 253
Blocked Shots Leader: Chris Tanev – 189
Depth Chart
Forwards
Matthew Knies / Auston Matthews / Matias Maccelli
Max Domi / John Tavares / William Nylander
Dakota Joshua / Nic Roy / Bobby McMann
Steven Lorentz / Scott Laughton / Calle Jarnkrok
Defense
Jake McCabe / Chris Tanev
Morgan Rielly / Brandon Carlo
Simon Benoit / Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Goalies
Anthony Stolarz / Joseph Woll
Power Play Unit 1
Matthew Knies, John Tavares, William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, Auston Matthews
