It’s been a wild few weeks inside the Maple Leafs organization, though as we move forward, the future looks as tempting as ever.
Perhaps this isn’t how fans — and now former general manager Kyle Dubas — wanted the season’s final game to start. However, one aspect remains for certain: Whoever hired Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan will have a good group of players to sort through.
There’s clearly the Big Four, and according to reports, it looks like their future will be sealed with Toronto. There are soon-to-be UFAs like Noel Acciari, Michael Bunting, David Kampf, Alex Kerfoot, Ryan O’Reilly, Erik Gustafsson, and Luke Schenn.
However, there are also some younger players in the fold who haven’t quite had a chance to find their footing at the NHL level. And for me, those are the players I’m most keen to see once next season kicks off.
The future isn’t all that bleak after all.
Bobby McMahon’s strength is his strength
The 26-year-old was an exciting addition when he joined the Maple Leafs last season. We all remember the call-up he received, and the whirlwind that was for McMann as he got his dad on ‘Dad’s Flight’ in Toronto after making his NHL debut.
“This will be a nice surprise for him off the plane,” McMahon said back in January, While smiling from ear to ear.
His debut was everything you would expect from the 26-year-old. McMann is a strong power skater with or without the puck, at both ends of the rink. He is able to use his power to hold the puck for longer periods, allowing him to outmaneuver his opponent in fights for the puck.
McMahon found the net against Detroit in the second game of his career. However, she was unfortunately called out for having a puck kicked out by 26 years Before leaving Ole Mata and entering the net.
His season was cut short, though, after he suffered an injury against the New York Islanders in mid-March. McMann joined the Marlies for their final game of the playoffs, but the 26-year-old struggled after only getting two workouts with the team.
There will be a lot of expectations for McMahon, who is entering the second and final year of his contract with Toronto. He will be given ample opportunity to make the Opening Night lineup, and I believe if he plays his cards right, the 26-year-old will be in the NHL for a long time.
Nick Robertson’s quest to stay healthy
The past few years have been disappointing for Nick Robertson. Multiple injuries over several seasons plagued what could have been a stellar youth career for the 21-year-old. However, the positive sign is that Robertson is only 21 years old, and there is a lot of runway ahead of him.
Even if he only played 31 games, Robertson looked fine during his rise in the NHL with the Maple Leafs. Adding more strength will push him in the right direction, as well as stay healthy.
If Robertson can stay strong, there is a great season ahead for the 21-year-old. A goal that could see a lot of goals with the Maple Leafs next year.
(More) Powerful play by Matthew Kniss
There were many of us within the media who were wrong about Matthew Kniss’ trajectory, myself included. Not many people believed that the 20-year-old could get straight into the Maple Leafs lineup and make a difference, especially at a level like the NHL.
But he did, and really, he did it very well.
The 20-year-old scored four points in seven playoff games before suffering a concussion in Game 2 against the Florida Panthers. His play – throughout every game he participated in – seemed to get stronger and stronger, while also building confidence in the process.
Knies has an exciting future in the NHL and he will start next season. I know Conor Bedard will be in the league next year, but I think Kniss has a solid chance of competing for the Calder Cup.
Joseph Wall and his appearance after recovery
If anyone is nodding this season with exceptional play, it’s Josef Wall. From his success at the AHL level to his accomplishments in the NHL, the 24-year-old has a bright season ahead of him.
Wall will likely be the backup point guard for the Maple Leafs next season, playing behind Ilya Samsonov. The 24-year-old’s mentality, athleticism, skating, and positioning are all at the level of being ready to take the next step.
He even hit Toronto in the playoffs, allowing just eight goals over the four games he appeared in. Through his 11 regular season NHL appearances, Wall has nine wins and a perfect . 924 save percentage.
There should be plenty of action and relief, with Wall being the Maple Leafs’ next backup. He will be an important piece of the puzzle that represents the future in Toronto.