The Toronto Maple Leafs were the NHL’s second-highest scoring team last season, behind only the Colorado Avalanche. With Auston Matthews winning the Rocket Richard Trophy once again, this achievement is understandable. However, many anticipate a slight decline in the Leafs’ scoring stats for the upcoming season.
The departure of Tyler Bertuzzi, coupled with a lack of significant new additions to the offense, contributes to this concern. However, I believe the Toronto Maple Leafs can still generate more goals from within their current roster. Here are two players who can help replace some of the lost goals in the upcoming season.
Two Toronto Maple Leafs Who Can Replace Tyler Bertuzzi’s Goal Scoring
I would love to include Nick Robertson on this list, as he’s due for a breakout season at some point. However, given his uncertain future with the team, I’ve decided to keep him as an honorable mention. If he does stay with the Leafs, a 20-25 goal season is entirely realistic.
Bobby McMann
One player who emerged last year for the Leafs was undrafted forward Bobby McMann. 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.
McMann scored 15 goals in 56 games, highlighted by a memorable hat trick against the St. Louis Blues. A full NHL season would not only increase his scoring opportunities but also his chances of securing a top lineup spot.
Easton Cowan:
Once considered a “first-round reach,” Easton Cowan has risen to become one of hockey’s top prospects. Leafs fans haven’t been this excited about a prospect since 2016 with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, though Matthew Knies comes close.
Cowan, who recently claimed the OHL MVP award, the OHL Championship, and the OHL Playoff MVP award, is poised to become an NHL superstar despite being under 20 years old.
With Bertuzzi’s departure, Cowan has a strong chance of stepping into a top-six role, which is a risky move but worth considering.
If everything goes well, Cowan could be a contender for the Calder Trophy next season. If not, spending another year in the OHL would still be beneficial.
Regardless, the Leafs have numerous options to replace the scoring that Tyler Bertuzzi took to Chicago this offseason, and they should have no problem finishing near the top of the league in goals for once again.
