As we get closer to next season, it looks like rosters are starting to form. A few players on the Maple Leafs are breakout candidates. On this list, there are players who are young and looking to prove themselves in big roles. Also, there are players looking to find consistency in a more comfortable situation with the team.
Maple Leafs Breakout Candidates in 2024-25
Joseph Woll
The first of the Maple Leafs breakout candidates is the young goalie. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs 62nd overall in 2016, Joseph Woll is set to become a starting goaltender in the NHL. For the last three seasons, Woll has dabbled in here and there, but it looks like there’s a chance to breakout for the Leafs this season. Woll has only played in 36 games for the Maple Leafs thus far in his career. However, that is all about to change next season. For the most part, Woll has either been the backup to the starter or tandem with whoever the other goaltender is.
Last season, he shared the net with Ilya Samsonov. The tandem would mostly split starts, however, it seemed that Woll might’ve had the edge and was close to earning the net. Unfortunately for him, he suffered a serious ankle injury in the middle of the season, forcing him out for three months. Nonetheless, his career numbers have been impressive and all signs point to him playing more than 40 games next season. Most importantly, Woll has been able to perform during the playoffs. In a total of seven playoff appearances, the 26-year-old has a .933 save percentage and 1.78 goals against average. It’s a small sample size, but Woll’s play has been good enough to earn the trust of general manager, Brad Treliving.
Anthony Stolarz was acquired by Toronto this offseason and will be closely supporting Woll throughout the season, but it’s going to be Woll’s net to lose.
Max Domi
A fan favourite in Toronto, Max Domi is another player looking to have a breakout season. This offseason, he re-signed with his hometown team for four more years at $3.75M. Typically, players at the ripe age of 29 aren’t the ones you’d think would have a breakout season. Well, for Domi this might be the case. For the entirety of his career, Domi has bounced around several teams and has been looking for a home.
Now that he’s got a contract signed for the next four years, naturally, there will be a little less weight on his back. The security of having a contract among athletes is huge. Especially for someone who’s never had a contract last longer than two years since his entry-level deal from the team that drafted him, the Arizona Coyotes. Therefore, now that he doesn’t have to worry about contract negotiations for a while, that might favour the forward and allow him to fully focus on his game.
Domi once reached 72 points early on in his career. There’s no reason to think that he couldn’t achieve something similar to that with a stacked forward group like the Maple Leafs
Matthew Knies
One of the most compelling stories of this Leafs team is about how Matthew Knies will do next season. The 21-year-old will be heading into the third season of his career and final season on his ELC. In the NHL, it’s a common theme for players to have an exceptional season in the final year of their contract. That allows them to earn a healthy amount of dollars on their next one. There could be a similar situation here for Knies as he becomes an RFA in the summer of 2025.
Not only is there a possibility for Knies to have a breakout season based on contractual circumstances, he has a great opportunity next season. The Phoenix native is projected to be linemates with fellow Arizonian, Auston Matthews, as well as Mitch Marner. Sharing the top line with a couple of superstars ought to spark some scoring and offensive success. Also, Knies is coming off a solid rookie season, scoring 35 points in 80 games. Knies having a breakout season should come as no surprise to Leafs fans.
Bobby McMann
Much like the Domi situation, Bobby McMann has found contract security. While he’s not a young player looking for a breakthrough, he will be presented a big opportunity for next season. Not so long ago, McMann was just an extra depth forward who filled in for injured players on the fourth line. But now, with the help of his performances last season, he’s earned a spot on the Leafs roster.
Last year, McMann scored 15 goals and 24 points in 56 games. He did that with just 11:26 of ice time as he spent most of his time in the bottom six. However, because Toronto’s left side is a bit weaker, McMann has a chance to play on the second line. The undrafted forward took advantage of every minute he had on the ice last season and it’ll be interesting to see what he can do with even more time. During last season, he earned a new contract, at $1.35M for the next two years. This puts McMann in a whole new perspective when it comes to his hockey career.
The Alberta native began his career in the ECHL with the Wichita Thunder. Eventually, he made his way to the AHL and played 112 games for the Toronto Marlies. And now finally, last season he earned a full-time gig in the NHL. McMann has been moving up the ranks throughout his career, with his hard work and dedication to thank. Given his character and the opportunity next season, expect to see McMann have a career-best year.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
