Maple Leafs Implement Unique Strategy To Keep Players Fresh Through Injury Struggles, Per Insider
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't taking any risks in their injury process as the amount of players having been out has been a sore spot for the team.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs dealing with consistent injury concerns this season, one report details how the Leafs are making sure to keep the roster fresh, even if that means taking their time to make sure players are at 100%.
NHL analyst Nick Kypreos said on Sportsnet 590 The FAN's 'Real Kyper and Bourne' podcast that the Leafs are willing to wait on players to be healthy, something that is less of a risk thanks to the fact the Leafs have managed to find success without key players in the lineup:
It's completely changed because they've established true depth, and they're not scrambling in the standings, and they don't go through long funks. I think this is just about keeping guys fresh, keeping guys in."
The Leafs, despite multiple injuries, have no problem keeping up with the rest of the league. Toronto is currently first in the Atlantic Division with a 15-7-2 record in 24 games played.
Toronto has been without multiple players this season, including captain Auston Matthews. The Leafs went 7-2-0 with their superstar, showing they can still manage without their top asset. Matthews has 6 goals and 14 points in 15 games for Toronto in 2024-25.
The Leafs have also been without forwards Matthew Knies, Max Domi, Max Pacioretty, Bobby McMann, Pontus Holmberg, Calle Jarnkrok & David Kampf for extended periods as well.
The Leafs are now also without defenseman Jake McCabe, who was recently played on injured reserve after leaving Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after taking a puck to the neck area.
Toronto has the benefit of a deep roster that includes capable rookies and veteran call-ups that have alleviated the team's injury woes, even a player like Auston Matthews was essentially replaceable thanks to the help of Mitch Marner, William Nylander & John Tavares.
If the Leafs can keep up winning even as the amount of injured players has piled up is hard to say, but for now, Toronto has gotten the job done.
| POLL | ||
Will the Toronto Maple Leafs stay first in the Atlantic at the end of the season? | ||
| Yes | 272 | 66 % |
| No | 140 | 34 % |
| List of polls | ||
