As we inch closer to the upcoming season, the rosters for teams are starting to take shape and for the Toronto Maple Leafs, there are a few players who stand out as breakout candidates. These players are a mix of young talent looking to make a name for themselves in key roles, as well as veterans aiming to find consistency in a more settled environment within the team.
One of the new additions to the Leafs roster is goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who was acquired in the offseason. Stolarz is expected to provide support to Joseph Woll throughout the season, but the starting goalie position will ultimately be Woll’s to lose.
Looking to have a breakout season is fan favorite Max Domi, who recently signed a four-year contract extension with the team. At 29 years old, Domi may not be the typical candidate for a breakout season, but his journey through several teams in search of a stable home could be coming to an end with this new deal. With the security of a long-term contract, Domi can focus solely on his game without the distraction of contract negotiations.
Domi has shown flashes of high-scoring potential in the past, reaching 72 points early in his career. With the offensive firepower of the Maple Leafs’ forward group, there is optimism that Domi could replicate or even surpass that level of production.
Another player to keep an eye on is Matthew Knies, who is entering his third season with the Leafs and the final year of his entry-level contract. It is not uncommon for players to have breakout seasons in their contract year as they aim to secure a lucrative deal in the future. Knies, who will be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025, has a great opportunity ahead of him as he is projected to play alongside stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the top line.
Coming off a respectable rookie season where he recorded 35 points in 80 games, Knies has shown promise and potential for a breakout season. The combination of a contract year and playing with top-tier talent bodes well for the young forward’s chances of making a significant impact for the Leafs in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the Maple Leafs have a number of players who could potentially have breakout seasons in 2024-25, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the performance of these players as the season unfolds.
