Four Maple Leafs Have Surpassed Early Expectations and Deserve Credit For Their Play

When the Leafs saw fit not to negotiate an extension with Ilya Samsonov and instead put their focus into pursuing a deal with Anthony Stolarz, there was some optimism regarding the move, but also some skepticism over whether Stolarz would be able to handle a larger workload after being a pure backup goaltender for his entire NHL career. Well, it's early, but so far, the decision is paying off in spades for the Maple Leafs.

After Joseph Woll was placed on IR to begin the season, Stolarz used his opportunity to establish himself as a quality NHL goaltender who is capable of being a number one guy when called upon. His 1.70 GAA and .940 SV% are evidence of his capabilities and are right up there with the likes of Jake Oettinger, Ilya Sorokin and other top goalies around the league. Yes, it's early, but Stolarz is silencing a lot of critics with his play right now and deserves a ton of credit.

When it comes to the forward group, there are 3 players who are perhaps standing out above all the rest right now, and while one is a bona fide star, I think just about everyone will be surprised at who the other two are.

For William Nylander, it was important to get out to a hot start in the first year of his 8-year extension worth $11.5M per season. Willy has done just that, amassing 3 goals, 1 assist and a +6 rating through the team's first 4 games of the season.

Max Domi is another player who really came out of the gates hot, having produced 5 assists and a +6 rating, establishing himself, once again, as a dominant playmaker. His chemistry with his new linemates, Bobby McMann and the aforementioned Nylander, dubbed the "BMW" line, is obvious and his early success should be celebrated, especially with his remarkably low price tag of just $3.75M per season for this season plus 3 more. This deal has a legitimate chance to become one of the best value contracts in the NHL.

As for McMann, well, after spending the season opener in the press box as a healthy scratch, the 28-year-old winger has really put his best foot forward during the last 3 contests, notching 3 goals and a +5 rating, showing that not only does he belong in the NHL, he can succeed while playing a larger role within the top-6.

Honourable mentions here go out to Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Chris Tanev, who have both been excellent for the Leafs in their own right and should be celebrated as well.

So far, so good for the Leafs, and once Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner really get going, this could be a very dangerous team, and a potential threat to secure a Presidents' Trophy in 2024-25.