Maple Leafs Midseason Report: Which Players’ Grades Are Rising?
The NHL’s 2025-26 season is at its midpoint, and the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves struggling near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Injuries have plagued the team, contributing significantly to their disappointing performance. Nevertheless, recent victories, including four wins out of five games, offer a glimmer of hope for improvement.
Maple Leafs Midseason Report: Player Grades Rising
As the midseason analysis unfolds, the performance of individual players, along with the leadership of general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube, is under scrutiny. Below are key insights and player grades based on their performance so far this season.
General Manager and Coach Performance
- Brad Treliving – Grade: 5.8
- Craig Berube – Grade: 5.5
Treliving’s signings like Troy Stecher and Nicolas Roy show promise, but many other acquisitions raise questions. Similarly, Berube has struggled to maximize the talent available, leading to challenges such as ineffective power plays and a lack of offensive zone time.
Forward Performances
- Easton Cowan – Grade: 7.0
- Max Domi – Grade: 5.0
- Calle Järnkrok – Grade: 4.7
- Dakota Joshua – Grade: 6.2
- Auston Matthews – Grade: 6.9
- William Nylander – Grade: 7.9
Young talents like Easton Cowan have shown potential, contributing positively despite typical rookie challenges. In contrast, struggles for veterans like Max Domi have led to considerations of benching to spark better performance. Meanwhile, Nylander has emerged as a standout player when he’s at his best.
Defensive Unit Analysis
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Grade: 7.4
- Morgan Rielly – Grade: 7.0
- Troy Stecher – Grade: 8.0
Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been a key player this season, displaying reliability and skill. Morgan Rielly continues to be an essential leader for the team, producing strong stats despite signs of decline. Stecher’s unexpected impact has energized the lineup significantly.
Goaltender Evaluation
- Joseph Woll – Grade: 8.0
- Dennis Hildeby – Grade: 7.5
- Anthony Stolarz – Grade: 5.8
Joseph Woll has excelled in net, earning high grades with limited game appearances. Hildeby has stepped up remarkably for a young player, while Stolarz’s performance has been hindered by health issues.
Conclusion
As the Toronto Maple Leafs navigate through the season, individual performances will be crucial for any turn in their fortunes. Player grades reveal a mixed bag of impacts across the roster, and improvements from key players could lead to a much-needed turnaround. Close monitoring of injuries and strategic adjustments will be essential as the team aims to climb the standings in the second half of the season.
