Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 3 potential unsung postseason heroes
Which Toronto Maple Leafs could provide unexpected production during the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
You need many things to become a Stanley Cup champion. In recent years, one of those things has been unsung heroes. The Washington Capitals had Devante Smith-Pelly in 2018, as he scored so many huge goals for them, including the game-tying goal in Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Last year, the St. Louis Blues had Patrick Maroon. Who could be the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ Maroon or Smith-Pelly?
The Leafs are stacked with talent, but ultimately, they’re going to need production from everywhere in their lineup. Everyone knows how great Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly are. But who could be their surprising heroes this postseason?
3. Rasmus Sandin
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2018 first-round pick Rasmus Sandin got his first cup of coffee in the NHL this season. Ever since he was drafted, he’s been a very special player. In 28 games this season, Sandin put up eight points despite only playing about 14 minutes a night.
While his underlying numbers weren’t that strong, his possession numbers away from Tyson Barrie, who he spent just under one-third of his total 5v5 minutes with, were noticeably better. Barrie will probably be on the top pairing with Morgan Rielly.
Sandin has the ability to make plays on the blueline, which is rare to see in the NHL. He’s very comfortable with the puck and with a more defensively responsible partner, could be a force to be reckoned with on the third pairing.
Of course, there’s a problem. The Maple Leafs are finally healthy, which means they have seven defensemen and only six spots available. Rielly, Muzzin, Justin Holl, and Barrie are locks. It’ll probably come down to Travis Dermott, Cody Ceci, and Sandin. Two of them will be in the lineup. One of them won’t be unless there’s an injury. If Sandin’s in the lineup, he could give the Leafs a boost, both at 5v5 and on the power play.