Daily Faceoff lists Maple Leafs as a contender to be worried about

We’re into the second half of the 2024-25 season and time flies by when you’re having fun, but this is the time of year that often separates the contenders from the pretenders, in the lead-up to the playoffs.

Daily Faceoff’s panel of Matt Larkin, Steven Ellis, Paul Pidutti, Scott Maxwell and Anthony DiMarco listed the Stanley Cup contenders they’re worried about, listing teams that they feel will struggle down the stretch run.

Larkin listed the Toronto Maple Leafs and explained his rationale. In fairness to Larkin, this was posted before the Maple Leafs’ rousing 7-3 comeback victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

I’m growing quite concerned about the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have looked exposed of late facing a difficult slate of opponents. Their power play continues to underachieve, their offensive play driving is the weakest it’s been for the entire Auston Matthews / Mitch Marner era, and Matthews is apparently going to play through an injury for this entire season. I think people underestimated the degree to which goaltender Anthony Stolarz was masking Toronto’s weaknesses before he got hurt. General manager Brad Treliving has some work to do before the Trade Deadline. By the way, I wrote this paragraph before John Tavares landed on injured reserve. Gulp.

There’s a legitimate argument to be made about the play-driving and possession, but Matthews is back in terrific form with seven goals and 12 points since his return to action on January 4, although we agree that the best course of action is for the Leafs to manage his minutes during the second half of the year. Stolarz’s outstanding goaltending did mask the Leafs’ lack of secondary scoring, and Treliving has made it clear that he’s going to pursue a two-way centre that can add some offensive pop at the trade deadline.

Tavares’ injury is certainly concerning with the week-to-week designation. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported that Tavares is facing a 2-3 week timeline for his recovery and if that’s the case, he could benefit from some extended rest during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

We politely disagree with our colleagues at Daily Faceoff, although the Leafs certainly could benefit from some rest, while in pursuit of some key deadline adds through the middle. Toronto’s rush defence has been an increasing concern as well, although Jake McCabe’s return from injury this week has stabilized the corps overall.

We’d love to hear what you think! Toronto resumes its schedule Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.