Maple Leafs’ Lorentz Quickly Becomes Favorite – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs
When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed recent Stanley Cup champion Steven Lorentz to a professional endeavor, many wondered how his competitive experience would translate to a team that was looking for a regular first-round exit.
He has been a depth piece on every team he has been on so far, but his impact was felt on the Florida Panthers run last season. Although, he was used sparingly in the regular season as he appeared in only 38 games and suited up for 16 postseason games. He matched his regular-season production (three-pointers) in the postseason with two hits. Up until the start of the 2024-25 season, Lorentz’s presence has gone beyond being felt on the Maple Leafs’ fourth line.
With coach Craig Berube wanting his team to play a style of hockey where they don’t give up, play a tough north/south game and play with bite, Lorentz has answered the call and has quickly become a fan favorite. the result. He may not have had enough of a chance to become a regular last season, but he’s showing that right now.
Lorentz’s Impact Play
Every season, you expect your attention to be on the Maple Leafs’ top stars Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner. Although Matthews has yet to get on the score sheet and Nylander and Marner look dangerous with points early on, it’s the team’s depth play that everyone is starting to notice.
Most notably, Lorentz plays as a big, physical wing player who has good speed and can provide a physical presence in scoring. He got into one preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings at the end and immediately stood out. He won’t see much time on the power play, but he’s already shown that he can be a reliable killer while doing a lot of damage in five-on-five. He had great results last season and has continued for 2024-25.
Although it is a small sample size, Lorentz’s basic numbers are very strong regardless of who his linemates are as the results support that. Among the league’s best 5-on-5 (15 minutes played) when on the ice, he has the third-best Fenwick (unblocked shot attempts) percentage at 72.73, the best expected goals at 85.41 percent and the fifth-highest offensive percentage 85.71. These are good numbers for a fourth lineman who is making a statement with his game.
After three games played, Lorentz is one point shy of matching last season’s total in both the regular and postseason. His best season came in 2022-23 when he had 19 points with the San Jose Sharks. Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson became the first defenseman to score 100 points since Brian Leetch reached the mark back in 1991-92. Lorentz finished 10thth in the team’s scoring and while the team’s production from top to bottom has been average, that’s the kind of production you want to see from a player like Lorentz in a deep role.
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With Lorentz, the results and opportunities are definitely there as he can play that hard-working, blue-collar style of hockey. With the purchase of the Maple Leafs from Berube’s plan; dumping and chasing, hard on the puck and attacking the middle, he deserves that role as a player and he goes out and puts it on the line every time he’s in it.
He is an opportunist and is always in the right place at the right time, be it blocking a play or scoring a goal. He keeps fighting to catch up and isn’t afraid to lay down the body. The Maple Leafs have a reliable fourth line and Lorentz is proving to be a valuable piece with his hard work, work ethic and ability to finish.
Lorentz Is Living His Dream
While Lorentz’s play has captivated Leafs Nation with his play as a quarterback, it’s his background and story that drives the “passion” in fans.
During training camp, Lorentz thought about signing his PTO, wanting to be a part of something special on a new team and multiply his experience with his new team. He then added that he grew up a Maple Leafs fan, which makes this even more special for him as he is able to fulfill his childhood dream. It’s like John Tavares when he signed as a free agent with the team back in 2018.
With a Stanley Cup to his name, Lorentz is adamant about bringing the trophy to Toronto, saying it’s something he’s “proud of”. Additionally, his photo went viral after his sister shared a picture of him from his yearbook where he said he would be playing in the NHL with the Maple Leafs.
Playing in a market like Toronto can be really tough given the pressures it brings, Lorentz doesn’t seem bothered by it at all. He goes out and plays the game the way he knows how to help the team win. Although it is still early and he has only played three games, it is something that fans can’t stop talking about as he is playing like a star – because of his role. He is successful as he quickly became an important player in this team.
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It cannot be ignored that Lorentz’s early impact was felt by everyone. The team and the fans. The Maple Leafs depth needs to be adjusted to be quick and competitive and he brings exactly that to the table. He just has chemistry regardless of who his teammates are and whether he scores or not, he drives plays and creates chances.
Needless to say, he quickly became a fan favorite.
Statistics from Natural Stat Trick.
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