I’ll explore three key topics in this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors. First, I’ll discuss why Auston Matthews remains one of the best players and centers in the NHL. Second, with the Maple Leafs possibly needing a third-line center, a surprising name might be available on the market—could Ryan Johansen be the right fit at a reasonable price? And, given the backstory to his termination, is he worth taking a flyer on?
Finally, I’ll consider whether former Maple Leafs goalie Martin Jones might come out of retirement to play for his hometown team in Vancouver. I’ll also speculate about the difference between what makes a great goalie and one who is “really good.”
Item One: Auston Matthews Ranked Third-Best Center in the NHL
According to recent rankings, Maple Leafs’ star center, Auston Matthews, has been ranked as the third-best center in the NHL. Matthews, Toronto’s sole representative on the list, finished behind only Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. He edged out other elite centers like Leon Draisaitl and Aleksander Barkov, solidifying his position among the league’s top talent.
This rating comes after a remarkable 2023-24 season in which Matthews scored 69 goals, the highest in the salary-cap era and the most since Mario Lemieux’s 1995-96 campaign. He also achieved a new career high with 107 points, topping his record of 106 points in the 2021-22 season.
Despite battling illness in the playoffs, Matthews led the team in scoring with four points in five games. His excellent performance throughout the regular season garnered him nominations for the Lady Byng Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award, and the Selke Trophy. However, he was not a Hart Trophy finalist.
As the newly designated captain of the Maple Leafs, Matthews continues to be a cornerstone of the team, and this newest honor reinforces his reputation as one of the NHL’s finest players.
Item Two: Is Ryan Johansen Worth the Gamble for the Maple Leafs?
Ryan Johansen, a 32-year-old center from Vancouver, has had a roller-coaster career in the NHL. Drafted fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010, Johansen was expected to be a dominant power center. After an excellent early career that saw him record 63 points in his third season and 71 points the following year, Johansen was moved to the Nashville Predators for Seth Jones. In Nashville, he proved to be a competent second-line center, reliably putting up 60-point seasons over eight years.
However, recent years have not been kind to Johansen. His performance has dropped, and he struggled after being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2023. He failed to live up to expectations as their second-line center. His tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers, who acquired him at the trade deadline last season, was cut short by injury, and he never played a game for them.
The Flyers are now terminating Johansen’s contract owing to what they believe is a “material breach”—a substantial violation of contract conditions, which might encompass anything from failing to comply to team regulations to conduct harmful to the team. Even if the breach’s specifics are unknown, there are several concerning aspects of the scenario.
A team like the Maple Leafs, who may be looking for a dependable third-line center, might find Johansen to be an attractive possibility. Only two seasons have passed since he had a 63-point season, and he still possesses the 6-foot-3 frame and skill set that earned him a first-round pick. If healthy and motivated, Johansen might be a good addition, especially if he signs a league-minimum contract. Without a doubt, he wants to establish himself again as a top player.
However, the risks are apparent. His recent performance and the uncertainty surrounding the “material breach” suggest he might carry baggage that could undermine team harmony. If the Maple Leafs are interested, they must do their due research to guarantee he doesn’t bring more problems than solutions.
In the end, Johansen might be a low-cost, high-reward signing—or a gamble that doesn’t pay off. Whether another team picks him up or avoids him may ultimately hinge on his health, attitude, and willingness to prove that he can still contribute at a high level.
Item Three: Martin Jones: Could Hometown Lad Be a Canucks’ Goalie
With Vancouver Canucks starting goalie Thatcher Demko facing uncertainties in his recovery, the Canucks might need to explore additional goaltending options. One intriguing prospect is Vancouver native Martin Jones, who, despite rumours of retirement, may be an ideal stop-gap solution for the Canucks.
Jones demonstrated that he still has what it takes to perform at a high level by playing recently for the Maple Leafs. He filled in when necessary and kept the group cohesive at pivotal times. With Demko’s status uncertain, the Canucks may find value in his experience and consistent presence.
In addition to his skill on the ice, Jones is a native of Vancouver. Harvey Jones, Martin’s father, has worked for the Canucks for a long time, so he was raised among the squad. Given their personal bond, Jones may find it alluring to play for his home team, particularly if doing so would enable the Canucks to overcome a difficult start to the campaign.
Should Jones choose to postpone retirement, he could offer the Canucks the dependable backup they require. He has demonstrated that he can provide stability and a plethora of expertise. A veteran like Jones could be essential to a team hoping to make the playoffs in filling the void until Demko returns to full health.
For the Maple Leafs, the goaltending situation remains a major concern. The amount of discussion surrounding their goaltending situation demonstrates the caliber of all their options, including backup and starting goalies. Consider Jones, who can jump in and handle the demands of an NHL game if he’s in good form and wants to play. What, though, really distinguishes a great goalie from a competent one? The distinction is essentially undetectable and has the power to make or break a team.
The key question moving forward is whether players such as Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll will turn out to be exceptionally talented or even great. One of the most fascinating plots to follow will be how this plays out as the season goes on. The Maple Leafs’ success may depend on how their goaltending develops during the regular season, which should be entertaining.
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