3 disappointing Toronto Maple Leafs players who are bounce-back candidates for next season feat. John Tavares
Last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs had another disappointing first-round playoff exit. That situation prompted fans and analysts to point toward several players who disappointed, not just in the playoffs but also during the regular season.
So, as the Toronto Maple Leafs look to get ready for this upcoming season, the club will be counting on players with subpar seasons to turn things around and help the team make a deep postseason push.
With that in mind, here is a look at three players who are poised to have a bounce-back season in 2024–25.
3 disappointing Toronto Maple Leafs players who are bounce-back candidates
#3: Calle Jarnkrok
When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Jarnkrok, they hoped to get a versatile, veteran player who could provide support up and down the lineup.
However, last season was particularly disappointing for Jarnkrok, as a series of injuries limited him to 52 games. The 10 goals he scored were a significant drop from the 20 he scored the year before.
This year, the Maple Leafs hope that Jarnkrok can stay healthy, hopefully pitching in more in the team’s middle-six. A return to a 20-goal season would be a welcome sight, as the Leafs need as much depth scoring as they can get.
#2: Timothy Liljegren
Liljegren had somewhat of a disappointing season last year. The Toronto Maple Leafs were hoping Liljegren could establish himself as a second-pairing defenseman. However, inconsistency and injuries limited him to 55 games.
While Liljegren matched his career high with 23 points, he found himself as a healthy scratch at times.
The Leafs showed faith in Liljegren by signing him to a contract extension this season. Nevertheless, the additions of Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson could place Liljegren on the third pairing with either Jake McCabe or Simon Benoit.
If Liljegren can live up to his potential, he could easily become one of the best third-pairing defensemen in the NHL.
1: John Tavares
Tavares was well off his usual point-per-game pace, with a disappointing 65 points in 80 games. While 29 goals is a total most players dream of, for Tavares, it’s a down year. Plus, fans and analysts have criticized his lack of speed and apparent decline as an elite center.
However, there’s reason to believe that Tavares could have a big bounce-back year. With Craig Berube behind the bench, Tavares could find himself in a different role. That role would enable him to play better to his strengths.
For instance, Tavares could be reunited with Mitch Marner. Playing with Marner allowed Tavares to score 47 goals in 2018-19. Just returning to the 30-goal plateau would be a great bounce-back year for Tavares, especially as he enters the final year of his seven-year, $77 million deal.
