'First day of training camp': Here's a look at this year's Toronto Maple Leafs
It’s back to school for the Maple Leafs. As training camp swings open its doors in Toronto, this year players arrived like kindergarteners showing off their name cards and favourite characteristics. The Toronto Maple Leafs released images of the back to school photo sessions on their social media accounts on Thursday.
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It’s back to school for the Maple Leafs. As training camp swings open its doors in Toronto, this year players arrived like kindergarteners showing off their name cards and favourite characteristics. The Toronto Maple Leafs released images of the back to school photo sessions on their social media accounts on Thursday. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Last season the Leafs finished 52-26-4 (108 points), first in the Atlantic Division. Though after being edged out by the defending champion Florida Panthers in Round 2 of the playoffs, it's safe to say players are eager to get back to unfinished business.
It's no secret expectations are higher this year. Playoff consistency coupled with a seamless integration of new pieces are surely on the minds of many fans. Without further ado, here's a look at 18 Leafs arriving for their "first day” of school (training camp).
Auston Matthews (C, Captain) The leader of the pack. In 2024-25, Matthews played 67 games, scoring 33 goals and 45 assists for 78 points, with a +11 rating. Matthews is widely considered the leader of this team and will surely be counted as the primary goal scorer. At 28 years old, Mr. Matthews loves tennis and his dogs. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Morgan Rielly (D, Alternate Captain) At 31 years old and anchoring the blue line, Morgan Rielly has been playing with the Leafs for over a decade. Last season he had 7 goals, 34 assists for 41 points in 82 games. His favourite player is Markus Näslund and he loves his dog Zoe. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
John Tavares (C, Alternate Captain) Born and raised in the GTA, Mississauga's John Tavares will be returning to the team for his seventh season. At 35-years-old, he says he loves his family along with play lacrosse outside of hockey. Last season he posted 38 goals and 36 assists over 75 games. In the off-season, he signed a four-year $17 million extension. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
William Nylander (RW): A Swedish scoring machine born in Calgary, AB. William Nylander will surely be leaned on as one of the team's top scorers this season. Last season he racked up 45 goals and 39 assists in 82 games. Like many Leafs players, he loves his dogs and his favourite player is most notably, his dad. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Matthew Knies (LW/RW) An emerging star power forward and one of the youngest students in this Leafs class is none other than Matthew Knies. Last season, Knies played 78 games with 29 goals, 29 assists for 58 points. Known for his energy and size, at 22, Knies has already cemented himself as a core component to this team's success. In July, he signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract extension. He loves to play the guitar. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Max Domi (C/LW): A versatile forward from Winnipeg MB, Max Domi posted a much quieter season when it came to goals but led the team in penalty minutes (76 PIM). Last season he posted 8 goals, 25 assists, for a total of 33 points. "I love my family and my team," his card reads. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D): The veteran defenseman from Sweden has had fewer scoring numbers in recent years but brings a ton of experience to help steady the pack of the team's younger defensemen. He loves hockey and his favourite player is Peter Forsberg nicknamed "Peter the Great" and widely known as "Foppa." (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Jake McCabe (D) Entering his fourth season as Maple Leaf, John McCabe has established himself as part of the team's defensive core. Last season, last season McCabe had some assists, good defensive reads, blocked shots. Outside of the ice McCabe enjoys golf and his favourite player is Mike Modano. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Chris Tanev (D) With one of team's best plus/minus marks posted last season (+31), Tanev’s steady defensive play and reliability will likely be a big part of the team's success this season. Tanev loves his kids. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Bobby McMann (C/LW): A lowkey forward who could show up big when you most need it, Bobby McMann had a solid outing last season. He played 74 games, had 20 goals, 14 assists for 34 points, and a +12 rating. He loves Coldplay. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Nicolas Roy (C) Acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for former Leaf's forward Mitch Marner, Nicolas Roy spent 6 season with the Vikings having scored 15 goals, 16 assists for 31 points in his last. Outside of hockey, Roy says he loves to play tennis! (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Brandon Carlo (D) Entering his second season with the team, at 28-years-old Brandon Carlo has made a mark on the ice. Last season he was physical, blocked some shots and scored five goals along with eight assists. His favourite player is Rob Blake and he loves a good pizza. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Steven Lorentz (C): Coming into his second season, Steven Lorentz, a two-way player returns to the team hoping to continue much of the same results he produced last season. In 2024-25, he scored 8 goals along with 11 assists. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Joseph Woll (G): Having played a big backup role/sometimes starting, Woll appeared in 42 regular season games saving 1,105 shots. He also delivered a key shutout in Game 6 of the second round vs. Florida to force a crucial game 7. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Scott Laughton (C): Known for his strong defensive play and two way game, Scott Laughton brings over a dozen years of experience in the NHL. Though he only played 20 games for the Leafs after being acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers last season, he's an exceptional returning centre, having scored 13 goals for both clubs respectively. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Simon Benoît (D) Returning for his third season, Simon Benoît bring solid depth on defence for the team. Less prominent in the stats column last year, "Benny" was a useful reserve and helped the team push when needed. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Anthony Stolarz (G): Last season Stolarz played a huge a career high in 34 games. He made 884 saves last season respectively. His goaltending along with pivotal saves from Joseph Woll will surely be relied upon once again this season. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
Dakota Joshua (Forward) Also acquired in offseason, Joshua was brought in from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round pick. Last season he contributed 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 57 games and was among the team leaders in hits. (Toronto Maple Leafs/ via FaceBook)
