I believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to make a long postseason run this season. I think this is the best team the organization has put together in many seasons, for as long as I can remember. 

First, I think the team has the skill to go a long way. Second, I think the team has the depth to cover injuries. Third, I think the team’s leadership is growing in maturity. Finally, I think they believe they can win the Stanley Cup. 

 

Reason One: This Season’s Team Is Different

This team seems to have matured, especially in its top three young forwards – Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. Nylander, for all of his “ability” to lose defensive focus from time to time, can ramp it up when he needs to. He showed that ability during the postseason last year. 

NHL

Sheldon Keefe committed to finding what works for Maple Leafs defence

The team has the ability to take over the game to win it. They are an offensive juggernaut. Even when they lose these days, it’s seldom because they fail to show up. For example, they might have lost last night’s game to the Dallas Stars – every overtime is a crapshoot; but, they dominated the Stars offensively by a shot differential of 41-18. 

The Maple Leafs are so much more physical this season than in the other four seasons I’ve covered. Even Marner has picked up his physical play. Ilya Lyubushkin adds a physical presence. Jake Muzzin’s back and, if he isn’t injured again during the postseason, his physical play will make a huge difference.

 

Reason Two: Matthews and Marner Have Grown

Auston Matthews has generated so much metaphorical ink – or cursor movements might be more accurate – recently with his onslaught on the Maple Leafs’ franchise goal-scoring in a single-season record was once held by Rick Vaive. He’s skilled, there’s no mistake about it. However, he’s much more than a skilled scorer.

This season Matthews is a different player. About three seasons ago, Maple Leafs’ President Brandan Shanahan predicted that Matthews would become one of the best defensive players in the NHL. He’s doing just that. Even newcomer defenseman Mark Giordano noted that, since he came to the team, it’s been amazing to see the strength of Matthews’ 200-foot game. Giordano notes that Matthews does many great things on defense.

Mitch Marner has come back from his injury and his bout with COVID-19 with a vengeance and a different attitude. He’s scoring like he’s never scored before. He’s leading like he’s never led before. He’s more determined than he’s ever been before.