The Toronto Maple Leafs' 2025-26 regular season has begun with considerable challenges, leaving few players exempt from criticism after the first quarter of the campaign. While the team has struggled to find consistent form, several key performers have fallen short of expectations and must rediscover their best hockey as the playoff race intensifies.
Captain Matthews Facing Elevated Expectations
Team captain Auston Matthews finds himself in an unusual position of needing to elevate his game upon returning from a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old superstar has recorded nine goals in 17 games, matching William Nylander's total, but has displayed few of the dominant shifts that have characterized his previous seasons.
More concerning is Matthews' limited impact at even strength, where he has managed just nine points at five-on-five compared to the 17 points each from Nylander and John Tavares. While the departure of longtime linemate Mitch Marner represents a significant adjustment, Matthews' ability to control games and elevate teammates has been noticeably absent. His mere five assists through the early season underscore this concerning trend.
Goaltending Concerns Deepen
The situation in net has become increasingly complicated with Anthony Stolarz battling an upper-body injury that coach Craig Berube revealed is worse than initially anticipated. This development comes at an inopportune time for the netminder, who secured a four-year contract extension in September worth $3.75 million annually beginning next season.
Before his injury, Stolarz had struggled to replicate the form that made him the NHL's save percentage leader last season with a .926 mark. His difficulties tracking pucks and handling routine saves became apparent during an increased workload when Joseph Woll was away on personal leave. While his fiery demeanor and willingness to hold teammates accountable remain assets, Stolarz faces pressure to deliver significantly better performances upon his return.
New Additions Yet to Find Footing
Offseason acquisition Nicolas Roy has failed to provide the expected offensive contribution from the third-line center position. The former Vegas Golden Knight managed just one goal and three assists in 19 games before suffering an upper-body injury during a season-high minutes performance in Chicago.
While Roy has earned coaching trust through defensive responsibility—starting 75% of his shifts in the defensive zone and winning 52.3% of faceoffs—his offensive production falls well below his recent averages of 14 goals per season over the past four years. His career-high 41 points from two seasons ago appears increasingly distant at his current pace.
Fellow newcomer Dakota Joshua has similarly struggled to make his anticipated impact since arriving from Vancouver. Despite leading the team with 66 hits, the 6-foot-3 forward has rarely delivered the physically dominant performances expected from his $3.25 million contract. With just two goals this season—both coming in back-to-back October games against Buffalo—Joshua remains far removed from the 18-goal form he displayed two seasons ago with the Canucks.
Defensive Questions Loom Large
Veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo has emerged as potential trade bait amid inconsistent performances. The 6-foot-5 blueliner has recorded just 12 hits in 18 games, failing to utilize his considerable frame to consistently clear the net-front area. His limited physical engagement has raised questions about his fit within Berube and general manager Brad Treliving's preference for long, physically assertive defensemen.
Once Carlo returns from his current lower-body injury, he faces immediate pressure to demonstrate his value to the organization or potentially find himself involved in trade discussions as the team seeks to bolster its defensive corps.
Silver Linings Amid the Struggle
Not all news has been negative for the Maple Leafs. Veteran center John Tavares has been the team's most consistent and productive player through the first 20 games. The 35-year-old captain recorded 25 points and was on pace for a career-high 102 points before Thursday's game against Columbus, demonstrating remarkable longevity and effectiveness.
William Nylander remains among the NHL's elite with 27 points in his first 17 games, tied for fourth in league scoring, despite occasional motivational concerns noted by coach Berube. On defense, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has provided the most consistent performances while Morgan Rielly has contributed offensively with 19 points in 16 games.
As the Maple Leafs prepare for what appears to be a season-long playoff battle, the improved contributions from these five key players could prove decisive in determining whether the team can overcome its sluggish start and secure postseason positioning.
