What does 2021 have in store for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Another season, another disappointing finish for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Columbus Blue Jackets finished off the Maple Leafs in 5 games in the Play in Series. This is the 4th year in a row where the Maple Leafs have not gotten past the first round. There are certainly questions across the whole organization. Who’s to blame? Kyle Dubas? Is the Shana-plan not working? Too much money spent on very few players? I believe you will see some changes from top to bottom in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

New Additions = Contending?

On October 9th, the National Hockey League had their annual Free Agent Frenzy. This gives teams the opportunity to sign players that fill holes in their line up. With the Atlantic Division making moves, the Toronto Maple Leafs had to start making moves. By the end of the day, the Leafs made some significant moves to their roster. I believe that the moves they made, this should give them a chance to compete in the playoffs.

Kasperi Kapanen to the Penguins for a 1st Round Pick (15th)

This was the first trade that the Toronto Maple Leafs made and I think it came to some surprise for Leafs fans. It was a six-player deal but the most important parts were Kapanen and the First Round Pick. With the Toronto Maple Leafs being in salary trouble, this move made sense for the Leafs. They were really close to missing out on a great draft until they received a first round pick from Pittsburgh. I believe the Maple Leafs won this trade despite Kapanen being a fan favourite.

Andreas Johnsson to New Jersey for Joey Anderson

Once again, this was another move that Dubas made to clear up cap space. Joey Anderson has had troubles staying in the National Hockey League. He will send most of his team playing for the Marlies. With Johnsson’s value, I thought Dubas could get more for him but with time ticking, this was the best deal he could get.

Maple Leafs sign TJ Brodie to 4-year, $20 Million deal

With Tyson Barrie signing a deal with the Edmonton Oilers, this leaves a hole in the blue line for the Leafs. This may have been the best deal the Leafs made during Free Agent Frenzy. A player who can play first line minutes, be reliable with the puck, and play a 200 foot game. This will allow Morgan Rielly to play up in the offensive zone and knowing TJ Brodie will protect the back end.

Maple Leafs sign Wayne Simmonds for one year, $1.5 Million

The Maple Leafs acquired another GTA-born forward for the third straight season. This gives the Leafs the opportunity to make their line-up “tougher” to play against. Kyle Dubas did say he wants this team to be “tougher to play against” next season. This is definitely a step in the right direction. Being a one year deal, this gives an opportunity for the Leafs to see if he is the right fit for the line up.

Maple Leafs sign Stanley Cup Champion Zach Bogosian for one year, $1 Million

Coming off a Stanley Cup, the Maple Leafs sign Zach Bogosian to a one year deal. Once he signed in Tampa Bay, he put up on average 18 minutes of ice time per game and play a big role in Tampa’s first cup win since 2004. Bogosian can bring size and grit to the Maple Leafs lineup, something the leafs can’t get enough of!

Jumbo Joe inks a deal with the Maple Leafs, one-year, 700k

For years, there were rumours going around that the Maple Leafs were going to sign Joe Thornton and now it has finally come. He might not be the same player from 5+ years ago but this man can bring leadership to the locker room, especially with how young the Leafs are. Jumbo Joe is desperate for a Stanley Cup and hopefully this can motivate the team to push forward and go deep into the 2021 Playoffs.

Luke’s Overall Rating - B

I would say Kyle Dubas made some good moves to make his team compete next year. To compete in the playoffs, you need to play with some grit, something the Maple Leafs lacked last year. With the additions of the players mentioned above, and the success that Matthews, Tavares, Marner, and Nylander have, they should have success in the 2021 Playoffs.