In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll cover three major topics. First, I’ll explain why Auston Matthews continues to be one of the NHL’s top players and centers. Second, I’ll explore the possibility of the Maple Leafs needing a third-line center and whether Ryan Johansen could be a surprising yet fitting choice at a reasonable price, despite his recent challenges. Lastly, I’ll speculate on the chances of former Maple Leafs goalie Martin Jones coming out of retirement to play for his hometown team in Vancouver, while also considering what distinguishes a great goalie from one who is just “really good.”
Item One: Auston Matthews Ranked Third-Best Center in the NHL
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been ranked as the third-best center in the NHL, following Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. This ranking comes after a remarkable 2023-24 season in which Matthews scored 69 goals the most in the salary-cap era and the highest since Mario Lemieux in 1995-96. He also achieved a career-high 107 points, surpassing his previous best of 106 points in the 2021-22 season.
Despite battling illness during the playoffs, Matthews led the team with four points in five games. His outstanding regular season earned him nominations for the Lady Byng Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award, and the Selke Trophy, though he was not a finalist for the Hart Trophy. As the newly appointed captain of the Maple Leafs, Matthews remains a key player for the franchise, and this ranking reinforces his status as one of the NHL’s elite.
Item Two: Is Ryan Johansen Worth the Gamble for the Maple Leafs?
Ryan Johansen, a 32-year-old center from Vancouver, has had an up-and-down NHL career. Once expected to be a dominant power center after being drafted fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010, Johansen had strong early seasons but has struggled in recent years. After being traded to the Nashville Predators, he was a reliable second-line center, consistently posting 60-point seasons over eight years. However, his performance declined after being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2023, and he struggled further after a move to the Philadelphia Flyers, where an injury kept him from playing.
The Flyers recently terminated Johansen’s contract due to a “material breach,” though details are unclear. This raises concerns about whether he might disrupt team chemistry. However, the Maple Leafs might consider him a potential third-line center, especially if he comes at a low cost. Despite the risks, if Johansen is healthy and motivated, he could be a valuable addition, though the team would need to thoroughly assess whether he’s worth the gamble.
Item Three: Could Martin Jones Become the Canucks’ Goalie?
With Vancouver Canucks’ starting goalie Thatcher Demko facing uncertainty in his recovery, the Canucks might explore other goaltending options. One intriguing possibility is Martin Jones, a Vancouver native who, despite retirement rumors, could be a valuable stop-gap solution. Jones, who recently played for the Maple Leafs, has shown he can still perform at a high level and provide stability, especially if Demko’s recovery is delayed.
Beyond his skills on the ice, Jones has deep ties to Vancouver his father, Harvey Jones, has long worked for the Canucks, and Martin grew up around the team. This connection might make joining the Canucks an appealing option for Jones, especially if it means helping his hometown team. If he delays retirement, Jones could offer the reliable backup goaltending the Canucks need as they wait for Demko to return to full health.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
The goaltending situation remains a critical issue for the Maple Leafs. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether players like Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll can prove to be good or even great goaltenders. This could be a decisive factor in the team’s success, making the upcoming regular season one to watch closely.
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