An Unfamiliar Obstacle is Holding the Toronto Maple Leafs Back: The Leafs’ Defense

 

As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their pursuit of Stanley Cup glory, a familiar obstacle stands in their way—an unfamiliar one for the team: their defense. Historically, the Leafs have been known for their potent offensive firepower, driven by superstars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. The team’s high-scoring attack often carried them through games, while questions surrounding their defensive unit were often brushed aside.

However, in the 2023-24 season, the very thing that the Leafs overlooked for so long has emerged as the primary issue holding the team back from becoming true championship contenders: a fragile and inconsistent defense.

A Shift in Focus

In the past few seasons, the Leafs’ general strategy was clear: outscore the opposition. With one of the most dangerous forward corps in the NHL, they placed the emphasis on offensive production, often overlooking the need for a more balanced approach, especially when it came to defense. While the likes of Morgan Rielly and T.J. Brodie have proven to be competent defenders, the team’s defensive depth and consistency were always in question.

Fast forward to the 2023-24 season, and the flaws in the defensive unit have become increasingly apparent. The Leafs find themselves in tight games, where a moment of defensive breakdown or a failure to clear the puck from their own zone leads to goals against. While the offense has remained explosive, with Matthews and company continuing to put up impressive numbers, the inability to defend consistently has stunted their ability to perform in high-pressure moments.

Defensive Inconsistencies

One of the most significant issues is Toronto’s defensive depth—or lack thereof. While Rielly and Brodie remain steady on the top pair, the team’s second and third defensive pairs have often been exposed. The acquisition of John Klingberg, a veteran defenseman, was expected to shore up the Leafs’ blue line, but his performances have been underwhelming. Klingberg’s offensive skill set has not translated well into a team that needs a more well-rounded defensive presence.

Additionally, young defensemen like Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin, both of whom had moments of promise, have struggled to find consistency. Sandin, who was traded to the Washington Capitals during the 2023 season, was one of the few promising prospects who could have bolstered the Leafs’ blue line. His departure left a gap that has yet to be properly filled. Liljegren, while showing flashes of brilliance, remains erratic, often caught out of position or unable to handle the pressures of playing big minutes against top-tier opponents.

The most glaring vulnerability, however, comes in the form of the Leafs’ inability to defend against speed. In an NHL that increasingly values quick transitions and high-paced counterattacks, the Leafs have been exposed on the rush. Opponents have consistently found ways to break through Toronto’s defense, capitalizing on turnovers, poor gap control, and a lack of physicality. When the Leafs’ defensemen are forced to move laterally and track quick, agile forwards, they often come up short. This has been particularly evident in games against high-flying teams like the Colorado Avalanche and the Florida Panthers, where Toronto’s defense seemed unable to keep up.

The Goaltending Dilemma

While the Leafs’ defense is largely to blame, their goaltending has also faced criticism. Although veteran netminder Ilya Samsonov has shown flashes of brilliance, his performances have been inconsistent. When the defense is porous, Samsonov, along with backup Joseph Woll, has often found himself under siege, struggling to make saves when