Today marks the beginning of the 2023-2024 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This season has brought a lot of change for the Leafs, whether it be new general manager Brad Treliving, new coaching staff, new management staff, and ultimately new players as well. Could there even be a new goal song? The Leafs hope that all this change can help when it matters in the playoffs, but there’s a journey to get there, and it starts with making the playoffs. Let’s take a look at how things are lining up for game 1 of the season in this preview below!
Leafs Projected Lineup
Five Things to Look Out For
Minten
One of the most welcome developments of training camp was Fraser Minten’s game and how poised he is as a player. At just 19 years old, Minten talks and acts like a true pro. Minten has grown with each game he’s been given and found himself getting a call from Brad Treliving Sunday while he was at Rielly’s Thanksgiving dinner, letting him know he’d made the team. It’s still unknown whether he will make it past nine games with the Leafs and burn the first year of his contract, but for now, he’s made the team. His chemistry with Knies is impressive, and the two of them will look to forecheck hard and become a problem for other teams to deal with. Look out for Minten tonight as he skates his solo lap and begins his NHL career.
Reaves
Ryan Reaves was brought into Toronto to protect the team but also make things more interesting off the ice as well. While he is nearing the end of his career, he will look to be sound defensively, throw some big hits, and maybe even drop the gloves. Ultimately, the goal with Reaves is for momentum to shift into the Leafs favor, and he will try to accomplish that however it may look.
Bertuzzi
Bertuzzi was brought in this off-season on a one-year deal and was immediately slotted in with Matthews and Marner. While Bunting will be missed, Bertuzzi is a more than capable replacement. He will look to continue building chemistry with Matthews and Marner and add some “jam,” as Treliving calls it, to this Leafs lineup. Keep an eye on Bertuzzi, as while he’s an aggressive player, he’s also a very skilled player and will look to use his skill to set up goals.
Domi
Max Domi has been on many Leafs fans’ radar for quite some time now and has finally ended up on his childhood team that his dad also played for. Domi will look to begin his own legacy with the Leafs on a one-year deal in hopes of landing himself another contract. Domi adds offensive upside as well as more “jam” to the Leafs lineup. He has already shown great chemistry with William Nylander and will look to continue building that as the season begins.
Gregor
Noah Greger came into camp on a tryout but earned himself a roster spot with consistent, solid play. Gregor brings speed and energy to the Leafs 4th line. He will likely also get a look on the penalty kill as well as Keefe has mentioned, he sees the skills needed in Gregor for that role. Keep an eye on Gregor as he looks to continue his strong play.
Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 PM EST on Sportsnet as the Leafs look to finally win a season opener against the Canadiens!
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