Maple Leafs' Samsonov and Bertuzzi Continue to Struggle, Plus Roster Shakeups
Welcome to the THW Toronto Maple Leafs Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Maple Leafs writers.
In today’s edition, the Maple Leafs picked up a big overtime win over Tampa Bay, but it wasn’t without some struggle. Something is off with Ilya Samsonov and Tyler Bertuzzi. What needs to change?
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Now on to the good stuff…
The Mental Battle of NHL Goalies: Samsonov and Campbell
November 8, 2023 by The Old Prof
Just last night, one of my favourite Toronto Maple Leafs “people,” Joe Bowen, tweeted “I feel awful for Jack Campbell. He was so good while here in Toronto but took it upon himself when things went badly. Ilya Samsonov is doing the same thing. So much of goaltending is Between the Ears and both goalkeepers need Positive reinforcement and less time with the press.”
Maple Leafs Need a Major Roster Shake-Up
November 8, 2023 by Spencer Lazary
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been sputtering. They are 1-4 in their last five games and are looking to change their ways in a hectic week. This club needs a major shake-up as soon as possible. Entering the season, the Maple Leafs were considered the team to beat in the Atlantic Division, but unfortunately, they have shown quite the opposite. The offence has been struggling except for the core four – the rest of the eight forwards have produced nearly nothing for the team.
Maple Leafs’ Bertuzzi Needs to Improve to Ensure Stay in Toronto
November 8, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a busy offseason, bringing in several free agents. However, there’s no question that Tyler Bertuzzi was the most notable and brought about the most excitement. The 28-year-old winger just finished a strong rental stint with the Boston Bruins and had been an effective top-six forward over the last few seasons. With that, he had long been connected to the Maple Leafs, and many were excited to see the skill and grit he’d bring.
Maple Leafs’ Newly-Formed 3rd Line Comes Through vs Lightning
November 8, 2023 by Peter Baracchini
There have been a lot of highs and lows this early in the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The offense has been evident with Auston Matthews continuing to dominate with his goal scoring, the defense continues to have big question marks and Joseph Woll is starting to emerge as the one to tend the crease for the future.
But the biggest story line has been the lack of scoring from the bottom-six and depth players to try and alleviate some of the pressure from the Core- 4. It’s great that the stars are producing and pulling their weight, but they need to get some support and more offense going from the depth and new additions that were brought in.
Maple Leafs’ Ilya Samsonov’s Future In Toronto Looking Murky
November 7, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
The 2022-23 season was a breakout campaign for Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov. After the Washington Capitals let him walk in free agency, the 2015 first-round thrived with the change of scenery and won the Maple Leafs’ starting goaltender job in the process. In 42 games, the 26-year-old posted a 27-10-5 record, a .919 save percentage (SV%), and a 2.33 goals-against average (GAA). This was enough for him to land a nice one-year, $3.55 million contract in arbitration.
After a strong first season with the Maple Leafs, the expectation was that Samsonov would continue to improve in 2023-24. However, the exact opposite has happened so far during this young season, as Samsonov has struggled immensely. Due to this, it is already fair to question if Samsonov will be a long-term part of the Maple Leafs’ plans. Let’s discuss why now.
More Talk Regarding the Maple Leafs:
* 3 Takeaways as Maple Leafs Stun Lightning in Overtime Thriller
November 7, 2023 by Jim Parsons
* Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Jarnkrok, Matthews, Marner & Woll
November 7, 2023 by The Old Prof