Maple Leafs Look Different on Paper Heading Into 2026-27 Season – The Hockey Writers –

After a disappointing season where they finished last in the Atlantic Division and 15^th in the Eastern Conference, it was new territory for the Maple Leafs to not only miss the playoffs, but to witness the poor performance night in and night out.

With a slew of offseason changes both in the front office and with the roster and staff on the ice, the Maple Leafs have a new look and mindset heading into the camp. They made a bet on a number of players to improve the roster and with the direction they’re going, it feels like there’s a little more optimism with the additions.

While we need to see games and results in order to make a full conclusion, but given what general manager John Chayka did, there is a sense that with a different roster, the Maple Leafs could have a better 2026-27 compared to last season.

Added Veterans and Depth Show Promise

When free agency hit, Chayka wasted no time to leave his mark and made some sensible, but slightly risky decisions. He signed Sergei Boborvosky, Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Brandon Duhaime and Teddy Blueger to start. In addition, he traded for Nick Paul to bolster the depth.

While some players come with risks, the upside remains. Bobrovsky had his worst statistical season, but his durability and ability to perform in the big moments is something the Maple Leafs really need. Yes, he’s 37 years old, but his body is younger than his age according to new sports performance vice-president Andy O’Brien. The long- time trainer for Sidney Crosby and working with the Florida Panthers, can help change how the team performs from the net out. 

Sissons, Roslovic and Paul bring a lot to the table in order to play off the stars and be key contributors. Sissons can be a reliable defensive zone presence and take some of that pressure off of Auston Matthews in the defensive zone. Roslovic and Paul are quicker, can be more productive and move up and down the lineup to play essential roles. Paul is looking to have a healthy season and despite Roslovic’s defensive concerns he can provide decent production. Both have the potential to put up at least 20 goals and 40 points.

Let’s not forget that the Maple Leafs have a heavy shot and more mobility on the point in Darren Raddysh. He can improve the production from the backend as the team has struggled to get points from their blue line in the past. 

The veteran and depth players they added are definitely a different look from previous seasons as there’s a mix of zone play, offensive upside and physicality.

A Number of Questions Still Remain

When all is said and done, the stars haven’t been able to get the job done when it matters most. Lo and behold, they have a lot to prove. With a new coaching staff and everyone being on the same page, it’s on the go-to players to once again right the ship and turn things around. From the two playoff series wins, to their first playoff absence in the Auston Matthews- era.

Matthews hasn’t looked like himself the past few seasons. His 78 and 53 points the last two seasons aren’t anywhere near to the 107 he had in 2023-24 and his 27 goals was the first time where he didn’t crack 30. Yes, he was on the injury list multiple times, including the grade 3 MCL injury. If he was healthy, it would’ve been a different story. With a familiar face behind the bench in Jim Hiller, could he get back to more of an offensive focus and not be primarily used in defensive positions, despite being a solid two-way player? 

John Tavares continues to age like a fine wine as he has hit 70 points in four of the last five season, but will age finally catch up? Will William Nylander assume the role as the leading point getter again after he had his ups and downs last season? Will Morgan Rielly be able to turn things around? 

There’s more than beyond the stars. Can Chris Tanev and Anthony Stolarz stay healthy? Can Matthew Knies take another step forward along with Easton Cowan? Can Gavin McKenna make a smooth transition and make an impact early on? 

There are a lot of aspects that need to be looked at and unpacked when the Maple Leafs hit the ice for the first time this season. Even Tavares said that there’s still a lot to prove in order to get back to be being a contender. They’ll have limited time with the shorter camp and earlier start. 

Much like last season, the start of the season will dictate how we perceive them. They made some good moves in the offseason, now’s the time to see if it pays off.