The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t quite ready to make a lengthy playoff push in 2016-17, but by featuring many young talents in the lineup, the Leafs are once again fun to watch.
Looking through the standings, Toronto doesn’t stand out with three victories in ten games and a -8 goal differential. Without digging into stats or watching the games, one would believe the blue and white are continuing their rebuild. But, through ten games, there’s plenty for Leafs fans to be excited about.
The Leafs’ youth movement has been better than anticipated. The club’s top scorers come from the right choices in the last three first rounds of the draft. Leading the charge is 20-year-old right winger William Nylander.
The speedy Swede is translating gaudy AHL production (45 points in 38 games in 2015-16) to the NHL without issue. Nylander is scoring at more than a point-per-game clip with 11 points through ten matches. Nylander’s production stems from ample power play opportunity – rewarding head coach Mike Babcock’s trust with seven points on the PP, tied for the NHL lead with Claude Giroux and Phil Kessel.
Regularly paired with Auston Matthews and Zach Hyman, Nylander uses his wicked speed and puck control to give the Leafs one of the league’s best lines. The trio all produced Corsi For percentages around 55% or better (via Corsica). It’s nothing to scoff at, as the group’s early chemistry is impressive. Nylander became the first Leafs to be recognized for NHL rookie of the month.
William Nylander named NHL rookie of the month.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) November 1, 2016
Matthews, meanwhile, continues to play a responsible two-way game despite being among the youngest players in the league. I’ve discussed Matthews chemistry and shot suppression success with Hyman and Nylander. Four-goal debut aside, the 19-year-old has quickly become Toronto’s much-needed franchise player. Matthews’ stick control and on-ice perception is already elite and without mentioning other Leafs rookies, he solely makes Leafs games entertaining.
Matthews led the NHL in scoring earlier this season. The trend won’t keep up throughout 2016-17, but in nine games, Matthews has proven he’s the real deal and a generational talent who will help Toronto shed its mediocre recent history.
If Matthews and Nylander, perhaps the two most talented rookies in the league, weren’t enough, Toronto also has 2015 first-round pick Mitch Marner doing special things on the regular. Marner is fast and is a joy to watch in the open ice. He’s creative, smart and skilled. His defensive game needs work, but Marner is a legit Calder candidate on a team with three potential options.
My goodness, this Mitch Marner pass to Tyler Bozak on the 3-2 go-ahead goal. He's unreal already. pic.twitter.com/HkDWFyj45f
— Jeff Veillette (@JeffVeillette) October 28, 2016
Lastly, 25-year-old rookie Nikita Zaitsev has added stability to an inconsistent defense unit. Zaitsev has been dragged down by Matt Hunwick, but still given the Leafs consistent, tough minutes. Zaitsev’s started nearly 37% of his shifts in the defensive zone. He’s regularly hit the 20-minute mark per game, playing in most situations. Zaitsev’s reliability has been a blessing on a cursed blue line. He’s managed five assists in ten games. If Zaitsev continues his steady play, he’ll be a top-pair defenseman before the season is over – perhaps, sooner.
It’s easy to look through the Leafs youngsters success through rose colored glasses, but there are reasons too. The sensational play of Nylander, Marner and Matthews has propelled Toronto into a viable, playoff contender once again. I’m not on that bandwagon just yet, but hope in Leafs Nation has some staying power as long as the fabulous production continues.
