Insights on the new era of the Toronto Maple Leafs from training camp

The Leafs training camp is beginning to open, the first breaths of a new season upon us. As such, the media circus of a Leafs season has begun as well. On Wednesday, several key members of the organization met and spoke with the media, revealing some insights into the mood approaching the season ahead. Let’s take a look at some takeaways from the start of Leafs camp.

Optics

The Leafs opted to hold group press conferences. GM Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube took the stage together. This is symbolic of the changing power dynamics in the organization. With President Brendan Shanahan gone and his role left vacant, the emphasis on the coach and GM working in tandem is stressed by this arrangement. Meanwhile, the Leafs players met the media as a trio of leaders. Auston Matthews was flanked by John Tavares and Morgan Rielly, symbolizing the leadership group.

Perhaps Treliving has more influence than either Kyle Dubas or Lou Lamoriello had during their tenures, and Craig Berube seems to have greater sway than either Mike Babcock or Sheldon Keefe did. Perhaps the core of this team is finally entering a new era. The future that once inspired hope is here, as the Leafs are now an aging, experienced, and defensively sound group. This is a new power structure for the Leafs, and time will tell which core beliefs will change now that Shanahan is gone.

No more Marner

Speaking of which, Craig Berube had more than enough of the “core four” talk during his single season with the Leafs. He noted he was happy to never hear of the term again, as he has always emphasized that the team is far more than four players.

Elsewhere, the spectre of Mitch Marner was obvious, as a good deal of the conversation revolves around the now former Leaf. Surely it will not be the last we hear of the Marner narrative. At this point, there is no new information to deal with. Once the season starts, all sorts of comparisons will be made, as clearly, such a talented player leaving is exactly the significant change many have been clamouring for.

Like the Leafs, the Vegas Golden Knights are expected to be one of the stronger teams in the league. Both sides should remain relevant into the playoffs, where even one team making it farther than the other will open conversations. Clearly, the storyline and analysis are far from over.

Domi sidelined

The NHL season is a battle of attrition, and the Leafs got an early reminder of that. It seems Max Domi is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, described as a “tweak” by GM Brad Treliving. This is hardly ideal, as Domi has been pencilled into an even bigger role this season, potentially on the Leafs’ first line. Domi has gotten off to slow starts in each of his seasons with the Leafs, and this clearly does not help.

He should be back in action before the regular season starts. In the meantime, he will be missing out on a key opportunity. Berube stated that it will likely be a playmaking winger who finds themselves in Marner’s old spot alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. Both Matias Maccelli and Easton Cowan might have a chance to audition for the role.

Stolarz back?

It is not surprising that Treliving was quite positive about potentially re-signing Anthony Stolarz. Clearly, the Leafs are planning to keep Stolarz around. Despite his odd career path, Stolarz has been a very effective goalie the past handful of seasons. His work with the Leafs last season is no fluke. If anything, Stolarz’s limited history of production might save the Leafs from a top-tier salary. His play has been anything but, as Stolarz has built an incredible resume over that time.

Penalty killing help

More than once, the change of Marner’s leaving was described as getting three players back. Two of these players, Nic Roy and Dakota Joshua, are expected to play a major role on the Leafs’ penalty kill. Last season, the Leafs’ unit was just okay, though Berube emphasized that things improved over the season. The addition of Brandon Carlo was something that Berube singled out here.

At the same time, Berube mentioned that both Roy and Joshua are expected to play a role on the penalty kill. The Leafs will be looking to improve in this area, and much of “making up” Marner’s lost production will come from being a more sound defensive team.

Rielly rejuvenated

Many felt that Morgan Rielly’s season was a bit underwhelming. The change of coaching styles is often credited as a reason, and Treliving and Berube expressed that Rielly improved as the season wore on. Now, Rielly is generating praise from teammates and taking the stage with the leadership group.

Treliving and Berube seemed to express that Rielly is better off playing to his strengths. A refocused and rejuvenated Rielly could spark a bounce-back, and the opening on the top power play would go a long way. Presumably with Brandon Carlo by his side, Rielly is primed as ever to have a strong season. If Rielly could regain some explosiveness and master some tricks for the power play, it would do wonders.

Rielly is clearly part of the leadership group, is the longest tenured current Leaf, and might still be the team’s best offensive defenceman. Treliving and Berube clearly place an emphasis on defence, making Rielly’s skillset sparse amongst this blueline. At his best, Rielly will be able to help forwards lower in the lineup in producing offence.

Camp battles

Recently, rumours that the Leafs might be interested in Dillon Dube appeared, some even suggesting the headline of a top-six spot. The Leafs do have a battle for power winger in the top-six, but Treliving emphasized that their focus will be on the 73 players in camp to fight for those spots. Moral questions aside, there is not much reason to believe that Dube will be a better option than unsigned free agents like Klim Kostin, Jesse Puljujarvi, or Brett Leason, let alone those already with the team.

The Leafs have given younger players a chance out of camp in recent years, even if on a temporary basis. There is no reason for the Leafs to rush any of their prospects, but we should expect some younger players to get interesting opportunities through the preseason.