Toronto Maple Leafs Panel: MVP Debate, Goal Leaders, and Trade Suggestions – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In the latest version of the Blue or Whitei Hockey Central The panel—featuring Justin Bourne, Elliotte Friedman, and Nick Kypreos—tapped into three burning questions about the Toronto Maple Leafs' season. Who was the team MVP? Who will lead the team in goals at the end of the season? And, finally, who should the Maple Leafs target at the trade deadline?

Here's what the panel had to say.

Question 1. Who is the MVP of the Maple Leafs this season?

When asked about Toronto's most important player this season, the conversation quickly turned to Mitch Marner and Anthony Stolarz.

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Justin Bourne chose Marner, emphasizing his two-way game and leadership in the absence of Auston Matthews earlier in the season. He highlighted Marner's defensive reliability, citing his impressive number of faceoffs in defensive versus offensive situations. Bourne also highlighted Marner's league-leading 15 games as evidence of his consistent influence. Marner is on pace for 115 points.

Nick Kypreos agreed, echoing Bourne, saying Marner's value goes beyond scoring goals. He is one of the rare forwards in the league who is really good at playing the 200-yard game.

However, Elliotte Friedman had a different view. He gave credit to Anthony Stolarz. With Joseph Woll's injury early in the season, Stolarz has been a force to be reckoned with. Friedman noted the outstanding performance against New Jersey, which he said showed the importance of Stolarz in keeping the team's season on track.

Question 2. Who Will Lead the Maple Leafs in Goals This Season?

The team split its predictions between Auston Matthews and William Nylander, the two frontrunners for Toronto's scoring crown. Kypreos voted for Nylander. He pointed out that Nylander is the best in this race and has been hot. He added that Craig Berube's style of play, which emphasizes structured hockey, may make it difficult for Matthews to keep pace.

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Two other commentators supported Matthews. Bourne and Friedman both lean on the Maple Leafs Captain, citing his ability to keep scoring goals. Bourne noted that Matthews could score 40 goals in the remaining 48 games, calling him one of the greatest scorers in franchise history.

When the final tally came in, with Nylander now left, it was agreed that Matthews' scoring might make him stronger at the end of the season.

Question 3. Who Should the Leafs Look for in a Trade?

In true blue or white fashion, the panel used both fiction and reality to answer this question. Friedman's choice was based on a dream. He chose Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers. He acknowledged that it's a long shot but argued that Kreider's skill set—a powerful presence on the left wing and dominance on the power play—makes him a perfect fit for Toronto's needs.

Bourne took the more logical option. He suggested Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken. Kypreos' choice was pragmatic. He pointed out that Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders was the type of top six player the team needed. Finally, David Amber dealt Alex Tuch, though it's unlikely Buffalo would part with him. He thought that if the Sabers continued to falter, Toronto could fire Tuch.

The Big Question: Can Maple Leafs Make the Next Leap?

Since i Hockey Central Panel highlighted, the Maple Leafs have a mix of MVP-caliber plays, scoring opportunities, and trade opportunities that could shape their entire season. Whether Marner's two-way acumen, Stolarz's reliability, or Matthews' scoring prowess defines the team, Toronto's fate may depend on how these pieces come together.

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If the Leafs can add the right player at the deadline—whether it's a fantasy pick like Kreider or a more affordable option like Gourde—they may be able to finally break into the playoffs. One thing is clear: this team has the foundation to contend, and its stars are driving the offense.