The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering the 2025-26 season with a significantly altered roster and renewed aspirations. After another disappointing playoff run, General Manager Brad Treliving has made substantial changes, aiming to inject a different "DNA" into the team. Several individual milestones are also within reach for key players, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
One of the most prominent milestones to watch is Auston Matthews' pursuit of the Maple Leafs' all-time goal-scoring record. He needs just 20 more goals to surpass Mats Sundin and solidify his place in franchise history. Matthews' scoring prowess is undeniable, and if he remains with the Leafs for the long term, he could establish a record that may never be broken.
William Nylander also has several milestones within reach. An exceptional season could see him reach 300 career goals, 400 assists, and 700 points. Achieving these numbers would further cement his status as one of the top players to wear the Maple Leaf crest and potentially move him into eighth place on the team's all-time scoring list. With Mitch Marner's departure, Nylander is expected to have an increased role on the power play and could see more time playing alongside Matthews, potentially boosting his offensive output.
Veteran center John Tavares is on the cusp of joining an elite club. He is poised to become the 49th player in NHL history to score 500 career goals. This milestone would be a significant achievement for Tavares, who has been a consistent scorer throughout his career.
Max Domi is also approaching a personal milestone. With a 50-point season, he would reach 500 career points. Domi's versatility and offensive abilities make this milestone attainable, especially if he can find consistency in his game. Coach Craig Berube may give Domi a chance to play on the top line with Matthews and Knies, which could significantly increase his scoring opportunities.
Beyond individual achievements, the Maple Leafs are focused on team success. After a first-round exit in the 2025 playoffs, the pressure is on to make a deeper run. Treliving's offseason moves, including acquiring players like Nicolas Roy and Matias Maccelli, reflect a commitment to improving the team's depth and adding a different dimension to the forward group. The departure of Mitch Marner marks the end of an era for the Leafs, as the long-running core of Marner, Matthews, Nylander, and Rielly will no longer be together.
Coach Craig Berube's influence will be crucial in shaping the team's identity. In his first season as head coach, Berube instilled a more physical and defensively responsible style of play. The team allowed fewer goals and accumulated more points compared to the previous season under Sheldon Keefe. As the players become more familiar with Berube's system, the Maple Leafs are expected to further refine their approach and play a more consistent, playoff-style game throughout the regular season.
The Maple Leafs' success in 2025-26 will depend on several factors, including the performance of their star players, the integration of new additions, and the continued development of their team structure under Craig Berube. While individual milestones provide added interest, the ultimate goal remains winning the Stanley Cup, a feat that has eluded the franchise since 1967.
