4 Maple Leafs Players Shaping the Team’s Future

Looking ahead, Knies has the potential to become one of the NHL’s top players. His growth makes him a potential team cornerstone for the Maple Leafs’ long-term success. Watch for the Maple Leafs to re-sign him long-term. He’ll become a player to watch closely in the coming seasons. If this season is any indication, his value will increase.

Player Two: John Tavares

At 34 years old, Tavares defies what’s seen as the NHL’s typical aging curve. Every season, someone calls for his play to begin sliding downhill. Yet, it doesn’t. He’s proving he still has plenty to offer the Maple Leafs. His offensive production remains consistent. This season, he notched up another 30 goals. He continues to demonstrate why he remains a key contributor for the Maple Leafs, even in the later stages of his career. His leadership, both on and off the ice, is a key to the team’s pursuit of a championship.

But Tavares brings more than point totals to the table. He might no longer be the Maple Leafs captain, but still provides leadership and stability. His mentorship of the younger roster players helps maintain the team’s focus and composure. He’s a positive part of this team’s ethos. He sets a favourable example in the locker room. With the media, he speaks for the team.

Given his impressive play this season, Tavares can still contribute over the next few seasons. A contract extension could allow the Maple Leafs to retain his leadership and offensive abilities, benefitting the team. If the Maple Leafs are to break through to championship success, Tavares can help.

Stan’s Two Choices

Player One: Mitch Marner

Marner has solidified himself as one of the cornerstones of the Maple Leafs’ roster. Despite the challenges posed by the salary cap, mainly due to the financial strain caused by the pandemic, he continues to prove his value. This season, he has posted 85 points (22 goals, 63 assists) in 69 games and is on pace for his first 100-point campaign. His vision, playmaking ability, and leadership on the ice are instrumental to his team’s success.

Marner’s value is unquestionable, even amid salary cap challenges. The Maple Leafs have a core group of star players, including Auston Matthews and William Nylander, but Marner’s ability is unique. His ability to create plays and generate offence makes him nearly indispensable. His dynamic play on the power play and five-on-five situations ensures that the Maple Leafs have a consistent offensive threat.

With Marner’s contract set to expire this offseason, his future with the Maple Leafs is a critical question. If he re-signs, it will ensure that Toronto retains one of the NHL’s top playmakers. He’s been and continues to be a key member of the team’s offence. If he chooses to leave, the Maple Leafs will face difficulty trying to replace him. The best-case scenario for Toronto would be to lock Marner into a long-term contract. That move would help maintain the team’s offensive depth and competitive edge as it attempts to build a Stanley Cup champion.

Player Two: Anthony Stolarz

Stolarz might not have the same level of recognition as some of the Maple Leafs’ other key players. Still, he could be an invaluable asset for Toronto’s goaltending future. With Joseph Woll taking on more responsibility in the net, Stolarz’s role as a reliable backup or potential future starter could be crucial as the Maple Leafs move into the future. Stolarz is signed through the 2025-26 season. However, if the team can secure him longer at a reasonable cost, like Woll’s $3.7 million over three years, he could be a great addition to the team’s goalie depth.

Stolarz has proven he can perform at the NHL level, with a solid 14-8-3 record this season, a respectable 2.42 goals-against average (GAA), and a .918 save percentage. His experience, particularly in high-pressure situations, could make him a stabilizing force in the Maple Leafs’ crease. If the Maple Leafs go deep into the playoffs with Woll in net, Stolarz could still be extended at a cost-effective rate, allowing the team to bolster their goaltending depth without breaking the bank.

However, his value could increase if Stolarz steps up in the postseason and plays a pivotal role. Although there remains wiggle room (another season) for a future contract, extending him as soon as possible should be part of Toronto’s long-term plans. Either way, Stolarz has the potential to be a crucial piece of the Maple Leafs’ goaltending future. He would provide much-needed stability with or behind Woll and potentially secure a critical backup or starting role for the future.

The Bottom Line

As the Maple Leafs continue to build toward a championship, players like Knies, Tavares, Marner, and Stolarz could play key roles in shaping the team’s future. These players bring something unique: Knies’ potential as a future star, Tavares’ leadership, Marner’s playmaking brilliance, or Stolarz’s solid net presence.

Together, they form a group of players who will be key to the Maple Leafs’ success for years, both on and off the ice. If the Maple Leafs can retain and develop these talents, their future looks bright.

[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]