Despite having one of the top powerplays in the league the past couple of seasons, the powerplay units have had much less success in the post-season.
Recent coaching hire, Guy Boucher, is already tinkering with the Maple Leafs lineups as they approach the upcoming 2023-24 season.
The Maple Leafs have historically run a top powerplay unit consisting of Matthews, Marner, Tavares, Nylander, and Rielly as the lone defenceman.
It appears that the plan of having four forwards and one defenceman will remain, however, John Klingberg looks poised to replace Morgan Rielly.
Rielly, who is one of the top offensive defencemen in the NHL, will be responsible for quarterbacking the second unit.
He should undoubtedly provide much-needed support to his new unit to further increase the potency of the Maple Leafs' powerplay moving forward.
Klingberg has always been an offensive defenceman who excels on the powerplay. He will get a chance to play with Toronto's top scorers and get his career back on track.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily:
Reporter announces major change to Leafs' top PP unit
POLL | ||
Who will start the season as the defenseman on the Leafs' first powerplay unit? | ||
Morgan Rielly | 325 | 53.3 % |
John Klingberg | 285 | 46.7 % |
List of polls |