Training camp for the Toronto Maple Leafs is underway, and there's a noticeable shift in the atmosphere surrounding the team this year. With key changes in the roster and coaching staff, there's a sense of optimism and focus as the Leafs prepare for the 2025-26 season. The team's brass hopes that a calmer, drama-free camp will allow the players to concentrate on hockey and build the chemistry needed for a successful year.
One early concern for the Maple Leafs is an injury to forward Max Domi. General Manager Brad Treliving announced that Domi is day-to-day with a lower-body injury he suffered during training. As a result, Domi missed the first on-ice sessions of training camp. The team is being cautious with his recovery, and it is unclear when he will return to full participation. Despite the setback, the injury doesn't appear to be serious. Domi has already resumed skating on his own. There is optimism that he will be back on the ice with the main group soon.
The potential absence of Domi creates an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. Matias Maccelli, recently acquired by the Maple Leafs, has been skating on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies in Domi's absence. Coach Craig Berube views Domi as a strong contender for a top-line role. He wants Domi to shoot the puck more and not solely focus on passing to Matthews. Domi's versatility and potential to add physicality to the top-six forward group are valuable assets for the Maple Leafs.
Meanwhile, veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly appears rejuvenated and ready to build upon his performance. Rielly, who signed an eight-year, $60 million extension in 2021, remains a cornerstone of the Leafs' defense. While his regular season performance in 2023-24 was considered a slight step back, he elevated his game during the playoffs, leading the team in ice time.
Rielly's offensive contributions and playmaking abilities are crucial to the Maple Leafs' success. In the 2018-19 season, Rielly became the first Maple Leafs defenseman to score 20 goals in a season since Al Iafrate in 1989-90. He finished that season with a career-high 72 points, the first 70+ point season by a Maple Leafs defenseman since Borje Salming in 1980.
Coach Berube's approach to Rielly's ice time and deployment will be worth monitoring this season. While Rielly has historically played significant minutes, Berube has shown a willingness to adjust his usage based on matchups and game situations. Although his ice time dipped to an average of 21:23 last season, Rielly's experience and skill set remain invaluable to the Maple Leafs' blue line.
As the Maple Leafs continue their training camp, the focus will be on solidifying line combinations, establishing a strong defensive structure, and fostering a winning culture. The team's pre-season schedule includes matchups against the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings. The Leafs will start their pre-season on September 21st against the Ottawa Senators. The regular season opens on October 8th against the Montreal Canadiens. With a blend of established stars and promising newcomers, the Maple Leafs are eager to embark on their quest for the Stanley Cup.
