Maple Leafs Quick Hits: Big Changes, Bigger Expectations

Even though not every offseason move was entirely within their control, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally made significant changes following yet another playoff letdown. The departure of longtime president Brendan Shanahan was met with applause from fans hungry for a new direction. The other major change—the trade of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights—was more circumstantial. The team opted to trade him before losing him for nothing as a UFA.

Still, despite the drama, the most optimistic among the fans believe there’s reason to believe this Maple Leafs squad could be even better in 2025–26. Here are three quick hits for fans to watch as the season unfolds.

Quick Hit One: Could a Healthy Matthews Be a Game-Changer?

Auston Matthews’ 33-goal, 78-point campaign would be stellar for most NHL players—but by his standards, it was a down year. Lingering injuries clearly held him back, and though he played 67 games, he was a shadow of his 69-goal self from the season prior.

With a full summer to recover, Matthews is expected to return to elite form. A healthy, fully engaged No. 34 means Toronto’s top line could once again be one of the most dangerous in the league.

Quick Hit One: Could the Maple Leafs Goalies Be Vezina-Caliber?

The Maple Leafs didn’t have a goaltending problem last year—they had a goaltender health problem. Anthony Stolarz was lights out when available, posting a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV% in 34 games. Had he played a full season, he’d have been a serious Vezina contender.

If Stolarz can stay healthy and Joseph Woll continues to progress, Toronto’s goaltending duo could be one of the best in the NHL.

Quick Hit Three: Will Less Noise in Toronto Bring More Focus?

With Marner gone, the daily off-ice circus surrounding his contract and future is over. Fair or not, his presence was a season-long distraction. Now, the remaining members of the Maple Leafs’ Core Four—Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares—are locked in, and the dressing room can shift its focus entirely to winning.

Throw in rising talents like Matthew Knies and the addition of skilled winger Matias Maccelli, and there’s real potential for a more balanced, less drama-filled group.