Why the Maple Leafs’ 2024-25 Success Hits Differently
Mitch Marner didn’t sugarcoat it. He couldn’t. After all, the Toronto Maple Leafs had just been handed a humbling 5-1 loss on Nov. 27 by the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. It wasn’t just the scoreline that stung—it was the way it abruptly ended a gritty stretch of victories for a team missing key players like Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, Max Domi, Max Pacioretty, David Kampf, and Ryan Reaves.
“We’re missing half our team up front, man,” Marner said, shaking his head when asked why the Leafs struggled to generate offense that night. “It’s tough.”
But here’s the thing: adversity has been the Maple Leafs’ unofficial theme this season. Injuries? Check. A new system under head coach Craig Berube? Check. A team identity still under construction? Double check. Yet, despite all of that, Toronto has managed to stay competitive, even going toe-to-toe with the Panthers for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. They’re sitting comfortably in the NHL’s top 10 in points percentage, proving that this isn’t the same Leafs team that’s been haunted by early playoff exits in recent years.
Adapting to Change Under Craig Berube
When Leafs general manager Brad Treliving introduced Craig Berube as the team’s new head coach in May, he made it clear that Berube was the “new voice” the franchise needed. Players were said to “go through a wall” for Berube, and since his arrival, he’s been busy tearing down the walls of Toronto’s old reputation.
For years, the Leafs were known as an offensive juggernaut, powered by their “Core Four” of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. They were flashy, fun, and capable of racking up regular-season accolades, including a franchise-record 54 wins in the 2021-22 season. Matthews even set a franchise record with 69 goals in the 2023-24 campaign.
But this season, things are different. Matthews has missed nine games with an undisclosed injury, and the Leafs’ offensive production has dipped to 22nd in the league, averaging just 2.90 goals per game. Compare that to last season, when they were second overall with 3.64 goals per game. For the first time in the Core Four era, Toronto is averaging fewer than three goals per game.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Leafs have found a way to win. They’ve leaned on contributions from players like Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann, who stepped up in Matthews’ absence. Together with the Core Four, this expanded “Core Six” has accounted for 70 of the team’s goals this season, while the rest of the roster has combined for just 21.
Mitch Marner: The Leafs’ MVP?
At the heart of Toronto’s resilience is Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old winger has been nothing short of spectacular, tallying 10 goals and 40 points in 30 games—good for a share of ninth overall in the league. Marner is in a contract year and poised to become an unrestricted free agent in July, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding his stellar play.
Marner’s current deal pays him $10.9 million annually, but with his performance this season, he’s likely to command a significant raise. Comparisons to Nylander’s eight-year, $92 million contract and Matthews’ $13.25 million annual salary are inevitable. For now, though, both Marner and the Leafs are keeping their cards close to the chest.
“I’ve learned not to comment on that type of stuff,” Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said recently. “He’s playing great hockey. He’s been a great player for us for a long time.”
Defense Wins Championships?
One of the most noticeable changes under Berube has been Toronto’s defensive improvement. The Leafs are allowing just 2.60 goals per game, ranking fifth in the league. That’s a significant leap from last season, when they were 15th at this point, giving up 3.18 goals per game.
A big part of that success has been the addition of Chris Tanev, acquired during the 2024 NHL Draft. Tanev, along with Jake McCabe, has formed a shutdown defensive pairing that excels at suppressing high-danger chances and forcing opponents to take low-percentage shots. Their efforts have set the tone for a team-wide commitment to defense, something Shanahan believes is crucial for long-term success.
“The big shift between this year and previous years is our play on the defensive side,” Shanahan said. “You really sort of admire what Florida did. They weren’t really known as a defensive team. They kind of made a collective decision, as a group, that they were going to be an outstanding defensive team, and it got them a championship.”
Goaltending: The Unsung Hero
Toronto’s goaltending has also been a revelation. Anthony Stolarz, signed as a free agent last summer, has been a rock in net, posting the best save percentage in the league among goalies with at least 20 starts. His partner, Joseph Woll, has been equally impressive, with an 8-4-0 record, a .918 save percentage, and a 2.24 goals-against average.
However, injuries have tested the Leafs’ depth in net. Stolarz recently landed on injured reserve, forcing the team to rely on AHL call-up Dennis Hildeby. Despite the challenges, Toronto has continued to find ways to win, a testament to their newfound resilience.
What’s Next for the Leafs?
So, are the Leafs truly different this time? Have they shed the ghosts of playoff failures past? It’s too early to say for sure, but one thing is clear: this team has a grittiness and focus that sets them apart from previous iterations. With the prime years of their core players ticking away, the Leafs know their window to win is now.
Whether they can carry this momentum into the postseason remains to be seen. But for now, Toronto fans have reason to believe that this year’s team might just be built for something greater.
Originally Written by: Kristen Shilton
