Leafs Lose to Rangers, Treliving's Roster Decisions, and Player Conversations
What does Toronto do coming out of the holiday trade freeze?
Welcome to the THW Toronto Maple Leafs Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Maple Leafs writers.
The Maple Leafs lost to the New York Rangers, but Auston Matthews stayed hot. Members of Toronto Marlies are stepping up and the team is getting over the flu bug. Can Treliving make the right moves after the holiday trade freeze?
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3 Takeaways From Maple Leafs’ 5-2 Loss to Rangers
December 20, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
After a dominant 7-0 blowout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 16, the Toronto Maple Leafs looked to keep this momentum going against the red-hot New York Rangers on Dec. 19. Unfortunately, that did not come to fruition, as the Rangers put together an impressive performance, defeating the Maple Leafs by a 5-2 final score. Here are three takeaways from the contest.
Maple Leafs Need to Thank Marlies’ Players for Help This Season
December 20, 2023 by Spencer Lazary
The Toronto Maple Leafs desperately need to thank their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate for helping fill holes in their lineup. The Maple Leafs have been hit with two bugs so far this season. The flu and injury bug has ripped through the locker room quickly. Somehow, though, the Maple Leafs have hung on and continue to grind out victories and collect points.
Maple Leafs’ 3 Best Free Agent Signings of All-Time
December 20, 2023 by Spencer Lazary
With NHL free agency opening in less than 10 days, all 32 NHL teams will be in preparation mode. Before that, the 2023 NHL Draft will take place on June, 28 and 29, 2023, where the general managers (GM) of each organization will hope to find future centrepieces for their club. However, most contenders will try and add that key piece through free agency to help their team immediately, and sometimes it works out.
Contending clubs typically take a chance on support players on the open market, and often, it looks like a steal. This has happened many times for the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially during the Auston Matthews era, when former GM Kyle Dubas signed low-risk, high-reward players like David Kampf.
Strike Outs vs. Singles: What Defines Treliving’s Maple Leafs Run?
December 19, 2023 by Jim Parsons
Toronto Maple Leafs’ GM Brad Treliving’s tenure has been marked by both successes and setbacks, with key moves drawing praise and criticism from fans, analysts, and insiders. When he came on board, he was fortunate enough to have some core players who he knew would produce. He also made a few under-the-radar moves that are currently paying big dividends.
The question is, are the stars and his subtle moves enough to outshine his blunders? In baseball terms, he’s struck out twice. One more might mean the end of the inning. At the same time, he’s singled enough times to load the bases. Does he ultimately score that elusive run? Or, does he leave his runners stranded?
More Must-Reads On The Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs Domi’s Inspiring Unity & Physical Resilience
December 19, 2023 by The Old Prof
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Robertson, Gio, Matthews & Jones
December 19, 2023 by The Old Prof
Maple Leafs Weekly: Flu Bug, Goalie Competition, Knies & More
December 19, 2023 by Spencer Lazary
Rumours Link Maple Leafs to 3 Middle-Six Forwards
December 19, 2023 by Spencer Lazary