3 Maple Leafs That Are Set For Career Years In 2023-24
The Toronto Maple Leafs are out for blood next season and the offseason preparation has shown just that. Their top superstars are fully fueled and have more energy to get out on the ice than ever, and new additions will slot in to drastically increase the team's depth.
There were drastic improvements and carer-highs last season, from Mitch Marner putting up 99 points to newcomer Calle Jarnkrok reaching the 20-goal milestone for the first time. Rookies Matthew Knies and Jospeh Woll got their first taste of the NHL and certainly did not disappoint by any means and solidified their roles for the upcoming campaign.
With that, here are three players on the Leafs roster going into next season that are lined up and poised to have a career year on 2023-24.
As it is every year, Auston Matthews is looking to make another jump in his NHL career and fans have every right to believe he will do just that next season.
He has finally had a full offseason with no major injuries as of yet and therefore has not had to delay any on or off-ice training. There appears to be no signs of his nagging wrist bothering him, as he is constantly putting in the hard work back in his hometown Arizona with fellow teammate Matthew Knies.
A contract extension that will more than likely make him the highest paid player in the league is almost complete, which will give him lots to prove next year to the fans as well as the Leafs. He is coming off yet another 40-goal season, as well as 85 points in just 74 games. Him and Marner are going to be locked in more than ever together this season, which means trouble for the whole NHL.
Bertuzzi shocked the entire NHL community when he signed a one-year deal with the Leafs this offseason and is set up with his best linemates to date.
It is more than likely that he ends up filling the empty top-line left wing spot that was formerly owned by Michael Bunting, as he left Toronto to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes. The toughness that he brings to the team will bring a massive contribution to Matthews and Marner on that first line.
It is greatly expected for him to exceed his career-high of 62 points next season, as he will get his most opportunities ever playing alongside the great setup men that Matthews and Marner are. With a good enough performance this season, that spot on the top line could be his for many years to come.
Liljegren has never had a better opportunity to prove he belongs at the NHL level than he does now going into next season. With Justin Holl and Luke Schenn headed out the door this offseason, as well as Conor Timmins seemingly losing his spot, Liljegren will slot right in to get some major playing time.
It is likely that he will start next season on the top defensive pairing with veteran Morgan Rielly, which will inevitably create major opportunities for him to showcase his talent. The addition of John Klingberg in free agency will add another veteran presence to mentor Liljegren this season.
He also represented his home Sweden in the recent IIHF World Hockey Championship and impressed everyone with both his offensive and defensive skills and will most certainly carry that over to the Leafs roster, so it may be a good idea for players to pay attention to him on the ice.
With a huge season set to be in place for the Leafs in 2023-24, it is definitely worth noting to keep an eye out on these three key players as the season goes on.
As Read On The Leafs Nation - 3 Toronto Maple Leafs poised for career seasons in 2023-24
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Will the Leafs make it far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs next season? | ||
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