The Toronto Maple Leafs were the NHL‘s second-highest scoring team last season, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche.
Having Auston Matthews, who again won the Rocket Richard Trophy, significantly contributed to that statistic. However, many anticipate a slight regression in the team’s scoring for the upcoming season.
The departure of Tyler Bertuzzi, coupled with the absence of significant additions to the forward lineup, is a major reason for this concern. Nonetheless, I believe the Maple Leafs can generate more goals from within, even with a similar forward group.
Here are two players who can step up and replace some of the lost goals this season.
One player I would love to include is Nick Robertson, who is due for a breakout season at some point. However, due to his uncertain future with the team, he remains an honorable mention. If he stays with the Leafs, a 20-25 goal season is entirely realistic.
**Bobby McMann:**
Undrafted forward Bobby McMann made a strong impression last year. After scoring his first NHL goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in December, McMann became a regular in the lineup for the second half of the season.
**Easton Cowan:**
Easton Cowan has transitioned from a “first-round reach” to one of the top prospects in hockey. Not since 2016, with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, have Leafs fans been this excited about a prospect (though Matthew Knies is close).
