Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Stolarz, Woll, Danford & Cowan – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I will examine the team’s goaltending situation. Although Athletic ranked the Maple Leafs’ lowest goal, the organization’s pipeline looks fuller than it has in years.

Second, I will share details about the team’s 2024 first pick in the NHL Entry Draft, defenseman Ben Danford. He makes good choices with his photos and mentors as he works to improve his game. Finally, I’ll share some takeaways from the group schedule. There are good and bad news but also some interesting aspects.

Item 1: The Future of Toronto Maple Leafs Goalies – A Promising Road Ahead

If you look at the team’s guard situation, they have a strong tandem in Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. Still, questions persist about their ability to become NHL starters. However, the future looks bright as prospects like Dennis Hildeby, Artur Akhtyamov, and Vyacheslav Peksa show new promise (from “Ranking each NHL team’s current and future goaltending perspective, Part 1: The Bottom 10,” Sean McIndoe, Scott Wheeler and Jesse Granger, Athletic22/07/24).

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Soon, with Woll, Stolarz, and Matt Murray as the team’s top three drivers on the depth chart, the Maple Leafs added more prospects. The result? The organization builds a strong core of self-determination. Hildeby’s progress in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and American Hockey League (AHL) shows that he could be a valuable asset in the coming years. Additionally, Akhtyamov’s arrival in North America should be fun for fans to watch. While Peksa may need more time to develop, the organization is building depth in its goaltending prospects. Things are looking up.

Financially, the Maple Leafs have been smart in controlling their goaltending expenses. Woll’s affordable contract and Stolarz’s deal provide flexibility for the team. The organization’s approach to investing in young talent while maintaining payroll shows long-term success.

While Woll’s program has promise, the key will be his development and ability to handle the pressures of playing in Toronto. He must also stay fit, which was a problem when he was playing with the big team. With a mix of youth and experience in the goaltending department, the Maple Leafs have the ingredients for success. That said, as every Maple Leafs fan knows, Toronto’s future is uncertain.

Item 2: Ben Danford Inspired by Chris Tanev and Mentored by Jake Muzzin

Give it to the new Ben Danford. He is able to make good decisions with his advisors. Desperate to follow in the footsteps of his idol Chris Tanev, the 18-year-old defenseman will showcase his skills to the coaching staff at Maple Leafs training camp. Contrasted with the experienced Tanev, Danford shared his excitement about working with players who embody the style of play he hopes to emulate.

Related: Maple Leafs Should Keep Murray as Third Goalie

During his latest appearance Leaves Morning Take, Danford highlighted his respect for Tanev’s skating ability, puck-handling skills, shot-blocking ability, and overall style of play. In addition, he expressed his eagerness to learn from Jake Muzzin, who shares a similar strong approach to the game. It’s great to see Muzzin working so hard with the team.

Reflecting on his valuable experience at Toronto’s development camp, Danford emphasized the impact of working closely with Muzzin. He describes him as a great mentor. Despite seeing the first phase of his professional journey, the native of Madoc, Ontario, is working to sharpen his skills. He shared that his focus is on the team’s success, and he has high expectations for the upcoming season with the Oshawa Generals, stressing the importance of teamwork.

While it may be early to assess Danford’s potential, his determination and commitment to achieving his childhood dream of playing for the Maple Leafs is evident. As he prepares to embark on the next phase of his career, Danford’s drive and team-oriented mindset position him as a promising addition to the team’s future roster.

Item 3: 3 Ideas About the Map Leaf Schedule

In an interesting look at the Maple Leafs season, writer Michael Mazzei of the Nation of Leaves he looked at the group’s travel plan. His analysis showed that the team had at least three surprises this season. First, they have a great travel plan, one of the NHL’s lightest for the 2024-25 season, covering about 37,700 miles (60,672.3 km). This travel plan places them among the ten groups with the least tax travel plans. The practice of the Eastern Conference continues to play a role in providing reasonable travel distances. The only difference is that the Florida Panthers face a very tough schedule.

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Second, the bad news for the organization is that the team is facing several challenges at the back. Toronto will play the most consecutive games in the league. They are tied with the Carolina Hurricanes at 16. Although this presents a difficult situation, many retreats involve less travel. The longest stretch will come at the end of the season, featuring games against the Montreal Canadiens and Hurricanes.

Thirdly, the team will be tested by facing long roads. They have a particularly challenging schedule in early March, with three games in four nights, including a back-to-back game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and a home game against the San Jose Sharks, followed by a road game against the Vegas Golden Knights. . However, despite this strong set of games, the away game schedule is limited in terms of space and travel time, with the exception of February’s schedule which includes separate four-game road trips with a break in between.

The Maple Leafs schedule presents a mix of favorable and challenging elements, with reasonable accommodations, plenty of back-to-back games, and exploring road stretches. Although the travel schedule is manageable, the frequency of the quarterbacks and the significant groupings of away games will require the team to show resilience and adaptability throughout the season.

What’s Next for Maple Leaves?

Give the young person credit. Recently, Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan expressed confidence that he will make the opening night roster out of training camp. Following an impressive season with the London Knights, Cowan’s hopes are firmly grounded. Many fans are anticipating his inclusion on the Maple Leafs roster next season.

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Honestly, I have him. Unless he falls flat on his face in training camp, there seems to be no sense in pushing him to the minors again. Pencil him in on the list – somewhere.