The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the 2025-26 NHL season with a slightly different roster after a somewhat turbulent offseason that included the departure of Mitch Marner. While analysts project the Maple Leafs to remain competitive and potentially finish near the top of the Atlantic Division, several players will need to elevate their game to help the team achieve its goals. Here are four Maple Leafs who could be bounce-back candidates in the upcoming season:
Auston Matthews
After a 2023-24 season where he led the league with 69 goals and 107 points, Auston Matthews' production dipped in the 2024-25 campaign, with 33 goals and 78 points in 67 games. Although these numbers are still solid, they represent a step back from his previous performance. Matthews battled an upper-body injury for a significant portion of the season, which likely impacted his scoring. If Matthews can stay healthy and avoid injuries, he has the potential to return to his dominant offensive form and potentially approach or surpass his numbers from the 2023-24 season. The addition of Nicolas Roy, known for his defensive prowess, may also allow Matthews to focus more on offense, further boosting his potential.
Matias Maccelli
Matias Maccelli, acquired by the Maple Leafs in the offseason, is another player with bounce-back potential. After a promising 2023-24 season where he recorded 17 goals and 57 points, Maccelli's production declined in 2024-25, with only eight goals and 18 points in 55 games. His ice time was reduced, and he even found himself as a healthy scratch. Joining the Maple Leafs provides Maccelli with a fresh opportunity to revitalize his career. He is expected to get a chance to play in the top six, potentially alongside skilled players like Matthews and William Nylander, which should provide him with ample opportunities to showcase his playmaking abilities and contribute offensively.
Morgan Rielly
As the longest-serving member of the Maple Leafs, Morgan Rielly's offensive output dipped in the 2024-25 season, with seven goals and 41 points in 82 games. This was a noticeable decline from his 2023-24 performance, where he had 51 assists and 58 points in 72 games. Despite leading the team's defense in scoring for the fifth consecutive season, the Maple Leafs needed more offensive contributions from him. A potential return to the top power-play unit could help Rielly regain his offensive touch and increase his point production. Pairing Rielly with a defensively sound partner like Carlo could also allow him to take more advantage of his offensive instincts.
Dakota Joshua
Dakota Joshua, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks, is a player who could bounce back and provide valuable depth to the Maple Leafs' lineup. After signing a four-year extension with the Canucks, Joshua's role diminished, and he recorded just seven goals and 14 points in 57 games in the 2024-25 season. However, in the 2023-24 season, he showed his offensive capabilities with 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games. Joshua brings size, physicality, and the ability to contribute offensively while playing in the bottom six. If he can rediscover his previous form, he could provide a significant boost to the Maple Leafs' depth and add a physical presence to the lineup. Reuniting with head coach Craig Berube, who coached Joshua in St. Louis, could also help him regain his confidence and contribute effectively.
The Maple Leafs are counting on these players to bounce back and contribute to a successful 2025-26 season. With the departure of Mitch Marner, the team will need other players to step up and fill the offensive void. If these players can rebound and perform to their potential, the Maple Leafs could be a strong contender in the Atlantic Division and make a deep playoff run.
