With the Toronto Maple Leafs on a 12-day break, it’s the right time to dive into some uncommon matters in immediately’s version of Maple Leafs Information & Rumors. First, I’ll have a look at one thing unusual for the workforce—Auston Matthews’ latest lack of scoring. It’s a uncommon prevalence for the star ahead, and I wonder if there’s trigger for concern. Subsequent, I’ll revisit a younger goalie who as soon as appeared like a promising prospect within the Maple Leafs’ system however has since light from the highlight. The place is he now, and the way has his journey unfolded since leaving Toronto?
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Lastly, I’ll study some curious roster selections the Maple Leafs made not too long ago, significantly the back-and-forth strikes of gamers between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. Whereas I don’t have all of the solutions, it’s fascinating to invest on what these selections would possibly imply for the workforce going ahead.
Merchandise One: Auston Matthews Isn’t Scoring, Is {That a} Deal?
Matthews has gone six video games and not using a aim, and whereas this would possibly sound alarming to some, it’s not essentially a trigger for panic. The Maple Leafs’ captain has been contributing in different methods, tallying seven factors throughout this stretch, proving that his general play hasn’t suffered whereas the objectives aren’t coming. Listening to Matthews discuss means that he isn’t overly involved. Though, would he say? He states that whereas he all the time needs to play higher and rating, alternatives exist. Head coach Craig Berube shared an analogous sentiment, noting that Matthews has been creating harmful possibilities, with a number of latest photographs testing opposing goalies.
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Regardless of the shortage of objectives, Matthews remains to be averaging 4.5 photographs per recreation, with 27 photographs since his final aim on Jan. 22. The problem seems to be a mix of unhealthy luck and robust goalie play moderately than any vital decline in his talent or recreation. It’s additionally value noting that Matthews has been given a extra rounded position this season, contributing at each ends of the ice, together with penalty killing. I not too long ago heard a dialogue that talked about the Maple Leafs captain ought to perhaps be within the operating for a Selke Award this season. All this has led to fewer objectives and scoring.
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Lacking 15 video games earlier within the season additionally made an enormous distinction. Matthews possible would have added one other 10-12 objectives if he had been wholesome. Whereas the Maple Leafs can lean on gamers like William Nylander, Matthew Knies, and Bobby McMann to step up, nobody can query Matthews’ potential for a powerful return to type. Will the 4 Nations Face-Off for Group USA carry out one of the best in him? Though followers would possibly really feel involved, there’s little purpose to imagine that Matthews’ scoring stoop will final for much longer. It doesn’t appear to be an indication of deeper points together with his recreation. However it’s curious.
Merchandise Two: No matter Occurred to Goalie Keith Petruzzelli?
For some purpose, I got here throughout a few posts I wrote a few seasons in the past about younger goalie Keith Petruzzelli. So, I needed to observe down no matter occurred to the teen, who’s now 26 years previous. His journey by means of skilled hockey has taken some sudden turns, however he’s nonetheless chasing his NHL goals.
Keith Petruzzelli Quinnipiac College (Photograph credit score: Rob Rasmussen)
Petruzzelli appeared poised for a promising profession after being drafted by the Detroit Crimson Wings in 2017 and spending 4 nice seasons at Connecticut’s Quinnipiac College. His school accolades, together with being a finalist for the Hobey Baker and Mike Richter awards, helped him stand out. Provided that background, it was a shock that the Crimson Wings selected to not signal him. It appeared like a coup for the group when he joined the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies in 2021. His robust play within the ECHL with the Newfoundland Growlers, the place he helped the workforce win the Kelly Cup, earned him a spot with the Marlies and set excessive expectations.
Nonetheless, after a quick stint with the Maple Leafs in November 2022, the place he served as an emergency backup, he didn’t see any NHL motion. Petruzzelli’s time within the Maple Leafs’ system was short-lived. He put up some strong performances, together with a stellar begin to the Marlies’ 2023-2024 season. Nonetheless, just like the Crimson Wings, the Maple Leafs finally didn’t supply him a qualifying contract. His potential was overshadowed by the presence of different promising goalies within the system, resulting in his departure.
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Now, Petruzzelli is with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. Whereas his time with the Maple Leafs didn’t unfold as anticipated, he’s nonetheless kicking round minor leagues and decided to show himself. Taking part in with the Studying Royals within the ECHL, he continues to develop his recreation with hopes of incomes one other shot on the NHL. His story is way from over, and together with his expertise and work ethic, who is aware of if there may very well be extra alternatives for the 25-year-old goaltender.
Merchandise Three: Curious Roster Strikes Elevate Questions for Maple Leafs
This previous week, the Maple Leafs made some fascinating roster selections. Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin, who had been serving as emergency replacements for injured forwards, have been despatched again to the Marlies following the return of John Tavares and Matthew Knies. Nonetheless, neither participant confirmed up within the Marlies’ lineup over the weekend.
Fraser Minten, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photograph by Mark Blinch/NHLI by way of Getty Photographs)
Whereas it’s unclear why they didn’t play, one potential clarification is that the Marlies had simply returned from a West Coast journey whereas the Maple Leafs have been getting ready to move out. It’s potential Minton and Grebenkin stayed with the massive membership through the journey as an insurance coverage coverage in case they have been wanted. If this have been the case, followers ought to count on to see each gamers in motion for the Marlies this Wednesday in opposition to the Syracuse Crunch of their 11:00 am “School Game.”
In one other transfer, with Anthony Stolarz returning to the crease for the Maple Leafs, Matt Murray was reassigned to the Marlies. Since Murray’s call-up was emergency-based and lasted lower than 30 days, he didn’t have to clear waivers earlier than being despatched down. This transfer permits Toronto to proceed to handle its roster whereas maintaining choices open for future goaltending wants.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
When the Maple Leafs return to motion on Feb. 22, they’ll hit the bottom operating with three video games in 4 nights. Fortuitously, their goalies can be well-rested, and the workforce needs to be more healthy with accidents behind them. Toronto might want to depend on its depth to navigate this hectic stretch.
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Right here’s a have a look at their upcoming opponents and schedule. The workforce performs the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, Feb. 22, on residence ice. They then head out on the highway to play the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 23. They then have their solely break day and land in Boston to play the Bruins on Tuesday, Feb. 25. It will likely be a difficult however key stretch for the workforce. The Maple Leafs’ success in these three video games will decide whether or not they can keep their momentum.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
