Maple Leafs seek gift of better life after break – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs ran into some problems before the holiday break during a busy part of the schedule. However, players and coaches will have time to rest, recharge, and fix issues before the team returns on Friday (Dec. 27) against the Detroit Red Wings.

The Maple Leafs have been hit hard by injuries this season. The team overcame a long list of injuries in late November and early December, but the absences of Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz, and Chris Tanev coming into the break have been tough to deal with. Unsurprisingly, the team has run into problems with a lineup that is arguably missing a key player at each position.

Getting Matthews Back to Full Health is So Important

Matthews has been dealing with injuries for most of the 2024-25 campaign. He's still productive offensively, producing 11 goals and 23 points in 24 appearances, but his goals per 60 minutes, shots per 60 minutes, and points per 60 minutes have all declined from his previous seasons. Toronto has been trying to get the injury under control, but it continues to take a long time, and it's still a question about the organization as the second half approaches.

Related: Dear Santa: Toronto Maple Leafs' 2024-25 roster

If this is an injury that won't heal during his playing time, the Maple Leafs may have to consider keeping him out longer. Not that we've gotten too far ahead of ourselves, but this could free up a significant amount of cap space heading into the trade deadline if he continues to be injured for a long time.

Stolarz's Injuries Appeared Serious

The Maple Leafs have historically stepped up in Matthews' absence. There is enough star power in the forward group between Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander to push the team offensively; however, Stolarz's absence has been a challenge. He ranks third in the league with a 2.15 goals against average (GAA) and second with a .927 save percentage (SV%). The 30-year-old network producer has been a hot topic while emerging as a bonafide startup. He underwent a knee replacement procedure on Wednesday (Dec. 18) in New York and is expected to recover in four to six weeks.

Joseph Woll has done well this season but has struggled recently. He had a 7-3-0 record with a 2.20 GAA and .919 SV% in his first 10 games but has gone 2-3-0 with a 3.51 GAA and .888 SV% since Stolarz left 3-2 for the team. win over the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 12. The 26-year-old gave up nine goals on 59 shots in a losing streak heading into the break. Hopefully, the time off will allow him to reminisce and bounce back. He needs to be better and more talented to make a difference. Matt Murray didn't look good in a 24-save effort in the team's 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabers on Dec. 20 and likely won't be much of a threat during Woll's playing time. As a result, it will be up to Woll to show his No. 1 potential. 1 until Stolarz is ready to return.

Tanev's Later Scratching Revealed More Warts

Tanev did not play in Monday's (Dec. 23) 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets due to a lower back injury. He participated in pre-game warmups before being scratched. An update on his condition was not forthcoming following the contest, other than confirming that he was injured in Saturday's (Dec. 21) 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders.

Without Tanev on the roster, the team struggled defensively against the Jets. The Maple Leafs did a great job hitting opponents while the team was praised for their defensive work early in the season, but that hasn't been reflected in recent games. Toronto was making it more difficult for players in the net while giving up plenty of scoring opportunities without rushing. Those problems arose before Tanev's injury, but now the team's depth is an issue.

TSN hockey insider Chris Johnston believes general manager Brad Treliving may be in the market for a defenseman. Jani Hakanpaa's ongoing knee issue has been a problem, and it is unclear when he will be available to play. He has appeared in just two games with the Maple Leafs this season and has missed 16 games in a row. Finding a healthier, more reliable alternative can be a way around that. However, Toronto has gone down the path of acquiring depth defensemen in recent seasons, and has not produced good results while equating to a lot of wasted draft money. If the team wants to add a blueliner, it has to be more impactful than the home garden variety that the team's management team has targeted in the past. Pursue someone who can play in the front four rather than a bottom linebacker who might be healthy, though finding an attacking position should be a priority.

Improvements Still Need To Be Made

Although injuries have been a problem, they are often a good excuse. The players on the roster must improve and play with the structure and urgency that led to success in the first two months of the season. They shouldn't be let go because of a busy schedule, although a little work helped handle the storm when the team missed a lot of players in November.

The Maple Leafs still need to be efficient offensively and defensively. Goal setting, which was excellent for many in 2024-25, should improve, too. Getting key players back in those spots would help a lot, but until they do, the players on the ice will have to pick up the slack.

Statistics courtesy of Hockey Reference.