Maple Leafs High in Analysts’ Offseason Rankings

The Toronto Maple Leafs were among Martin Biron’s top five teams of the offseason after free agency started. Over a month later, the former NHL goaltender and current TSN analyst still holds the same view.

Biron recently appeared on TSN’s OverDrive. Guest host Jim Tatti asked him to rate the Maple Leafs’ offseason. The former goaltender covered many key areas. Drafting Gavin McKenna, the health of Auston Matthews, signing Sergei Bobrovsky, and the Maple Leafs’ defense. He praised Toronto GM John Chayka for the roster he has assembled.

One main thing he touched on was first-overall pick Gavin McKenna. He wonders if McKenna can help Matthews return to his high-scoring ways of fifty-sixty goals. “So, is Gavin McKenna going to have that influence? I think it’s going to be a good match,” said Biron.

Like most of us, Biron isn’t expecting the Maple Leafs’ rookie to register eighty points in his first season. He suggested that 15 goals and 45 assists for 60 points is a fair prediction.

Maple Leafs Counting on Bobrovsky

Biron shifted gears from McKenna to Bobrovsky and his presence in the net. He pointed out that Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll played well when healthy. He also said reliability is a big part of being an NHL goaltender, and they weren’t always reliable.

According to Biron, Bobrovsky’s attributes are what make him a great addition. “You have to go get a guy that, you know, number one, loves to play and plays often, and is a workhorse, and (has) been there, done that. I think the addition of Sergei Bobrovsky could be the difference-maker for me,” he said. Biron commented that Bobrovsky could help the Maple Leafs finish within the top three teams in the Atlantic Division.

TSN Overdrive Co-host Frankie Corrado asked Biron which of Bobrovsky or Matthews was more important to Toronto for a successful 2026-27 season. Biron thinks Bobrovsky’s days as an elite goalie are past him, but he will still make big saves when needed. He picked Matthews as the key to Toronto’s success.

Bobrovsky could play at a Vezina Trophy level, but Biron believes that if Matthews isn’t playing at a Rocket Richard Trophy or Hart Trophy level, wins won’t come easy for the Maple Leafs.

Toronto Defense Depends on Health

The final topic of discussion was Toronto’s defense. Biron was asked if the Maple Leafs’ defense was good enough. “It’s good enough to me if (Chris) Tanev can stay healthy,” he replied. Biron liked the Leafs’ addition of Emil Andrae, describing him as “a good, young defenseman that has a lot of upside.”

Despite the overpay in salary, Biron also likes newcomer Darren Raddysh. Raddysh, McCabe, and a healthy Tanev will relieve Morgan Rielly of the pressure of being the “top dog.” As a whole, Biron likes the Maple Leafs’ defense. “I like what they’ve got,” he said.

Biron’s optimistic outlook should be viewed as a reminder that the Maple Leafs’ resurgence hinges on star players performing. It also hinges on the chemistry of Matthews and McKenna, combined with the health and durability of Bobrovsky and Tanev.