The 10 best players from each NHL team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Joseph Woll is elready stablishing himself as one of the better young goaltenders in the NHL.

Still early in his career, he has shown flashes of poise and maturity beyond his years, giving the Maple Leafs confidence that he can handle big moments.

His calm presence in the crease, paired with solid fundamentals and athleticism, makes him a reliable option for Toronto as they continue to shape their future. If his development stays on track, Woll has the potential to grow into a long-term solution in goal — something the Leafs have been chasing for years.

Morgan Rielly has long been the backbone of the Maple Leafs’ blue line, and his importance to the team can’t be overstated. He’s a smooth-skating defenseman who drives the play from the back end, capable of jumping into the rush and creating offense while still holding down key defensive responsibilities.

What makes Rielly so valuable is his consistency — night after night, he logs heavy minutes against top competition and still finds a way to contribute offensively. He’s often the first defenseman over the boards in big situations, whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or in the dying minutes of a close game.

Beyond the numbers, Rielly is a true leader. He’s one of the longest-serving players in Toronto and has become a steadying presence in the locker room. For a team with big stars up front, his role as the anchor on defense is critical to any success the Leafs hope to achieve.

Jake McCabe is an established veteran in the NHL, he has carved out a reputation as a reliable, no-nonsense blueliner who can be trusted in every situation. Whether it’s shutting down opposing top lines, killing penalties, or stepping up to make a smart first pass out of the zone, McCabe brings stability and poise to the Maple Leafs’ back end.

What makes him particularly valuable to Toronto is his versatility. He’s physical without being reckless, he defends with strong positioning, and he’s capable of playing big minutes against tough competition.

At the same time, he can contribute offensively in transition, moving the puck quickly and helping his team get up ice. His leadership and veteran presence in the locker room also provide an added layer of value, especially on a Leafs team trying to balance its offensive firepower with dependable defensive play.

Chris Tanev, at his age, has become a highly respected veteran in the NHL. His game has never been about flash, but rather about consistency, reliability, and hard work in his own zone. With the Maple Leafs, he fills a fantastic role on the ice, bringing stability, toughness, and outstanding positional play.

He might not make headlines with highlight-reel goals, but his presence changes the flow of a game. Whether it’s blocking shots, winning battles along the boards, or calming things down in crucial moments, Tanev delivers exactly what you want from an experienced defenseman.

In Toronto, he not only provides leadership and experience to a defensive group that needed it, but he also serves as a role model for younger players. His career proves that with discipline and commitment, you can have a massive impact without being the flashiest player.

Nicolas Roy was brought in by the Maple Leafs in the Mitch Marner trade, and his presence adds a new layer of depth to the lineup. He may not have the star power of a top scorer, but what he brings is just as valuable for a team with championship ambitions: stability and reliability in the bottom six.

With his size, defensive responsibility, and strong work in the faceoff circle, Roy fits perfectly as a complementary piece to Toronto’s offensive stars.

He’s versatile, dependable, and has the kind of game that can shine even more in the playoffs. His addition gives the Leafs a deeper, more balanced roster built to compete.

John Tavares has proven himself. We’re talking about a formidable scorer who isn’t slowing down: in 2024–2025, at 34 years old, he scored an impressive 38 goals and finished the season with 74 points.

In other words, he’s still very good.

here’s a possibility he’ll stay in Toronto since he wants to finish his career with the Leafs organization. But… the Leafs have other players to pay, and there might not be enough money left for Tavares—unless he decides to accept a smaller salary to help the Leafs manage their cap situation going forward.

Mattias Macelli is seen as a rising talent by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the organization clearly has high expectations for him.

With his combination of skill, vision, and hockey IQ, Macelli has the tools to make a significant impact at the NHL level. The Leafs believe he can contribute offensively while also being responsible defensively, which could allow him to secure a spot on the team’s top-six forwards.

His ability to read plays, create scoring chances, and support his linemates makes him a versatile option for the coaching staff. If given the opportunity, Macelli could quickly become an essential piece of Toronto’s forward group, providing both depth and a spark to the lineup.

William Nylander is a cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offense. With his combination of speed, vision, and hands, he consistently creates scoring opportunities and keeps defenders on their heels.

Nylander is known for his ability to read the play, make precise passes, and finish chances with accuracy, making him a constant threat on the ice.

Beyond his offensive skills, he works diligently in his own zone, helping to support the team defensively. As a key member of the Leafs’ top-six forward group, Nylander’s performance is crucial to the team’s success and their push for the Stanley Cup.

Auston Matthews is the centerpiece of the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of the elite goal scorers in the NHL.

His size, skill, and release make him nearly unstoppable in the offensive zone, and he consistently ranks among the league leaders in goals. Beyond scoring, Matthews has the ability to control play, create space for teammates, and take over games in crucial moments. He is also improving defensively, showing a commitment to being a complete player.

As the captain of the Leafs, his leadership and production set the tone for the team, making him absolutely essential to Toronto’s pursuit of the Stanley Cup.