This was never going to be an easy season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it also hasn’t been as dreadful as anticipated.
Yes, the Leafs are second-last in the Atlantic Division and 13th in the Eastern Conference, but they are also playing a much more competitive and structured brand of hockey than they have in recent years.
The progress made under coach Mike Babcock is noticeable, and while the results might not be there yet things seem to be moving in the right direction.
THE GOOD: The Maple Leafs have made strides as a collective unit under Babcock, but the most promising development this year has been the play of some of the franchise’s most important players — namely Morgan Rielly and Nazem Kadri.
Rielly has responded well to an increased role this season and is second in team scoring with 13 points despite taking on tougher defensive assignments. Kadri, although snakebit in the early going, has generated tons of offence while also improving his play in the defensive zone. Kadri’s work in the dot has also improved, with his faceoff percentage jumping from 46.2 per cent last season to 50.9 per cent this year. Although Rielly is in it for the long haul, this is a key season for Kadri, who needs to show he can be part of the solution going forward.
Another key development under Babcock has been the renaissance of Dion Phaneuf and Joffrey Lupul. The Leafs are getting much more out of the two veterans, who were coming off arguably the worst seasons of their careers.
But perhaps the best story this season has been the play of James Reimer — he has been nothing short of stellar since taking over the No. 1 spot from Jonathan Bernier. Reimer is fourth in save percentage (.934) and seventh in goals-against average (2.07) among goalies who have started at least 10 games.
THE BAD: The Leafs have done a better job at limiting scoring chances, but they are still giving up the fifth-most shots against per game in the league. That’s not all that surprising given their lack of talent and expectations this season, but it’s an area that Babcock would surely like to improve.
But that’s a small area of concern compared to the play of Bernier. Fresh off a two-year, $8.3-million contract, Bernier has been the weakest link on the Leafs this season and played himself out of the starter’s job. With Reimer a free agent at season’s end, the Maple Leafs have a big question mark in goal going forward.
The Leafs could also use more offence from the off-season additions of Michael Grabner, Shawn Matthias and Brad Boyes, who have combined for just three goals on the season.
TRENDING: The Maple Leafs are trending up. With improved special teams and consistent goaltending, the Leafs have been playing above their heads of late.
BOLD PREDICTION: To the dismay of some and the surprise of many, the Maple Leafs will spend the rest of the season fighting for a playoff spot instead of the best odds to draft Auston Matthews.
GRADE: C. The Maple Leafs have performed better than expected this season, but they’re still only four points clear of the NHL basement. Despite a lack of frontline talent, the Leafs have put in a more consistent effort on a nightly basis and have yet to see a sweater tossed on the ice as a result. Adding another top-five pick this season would be the best outcome long-term, but the organization must be pleased with the improvements the team has made through the first quarter of the Babcock era.
