Scoring depth could be a big area of concern for Leafs

After they failed to clinch a Stanley Cup Playoff berth for the first time in 10 seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs enter the 2026-27 campaign with the expectation of getting back into the postseason.

The Leafs finished 16th in the NHL in goals for with 252 last season, a steep decline compared to prior years when they scored 300-plus goals and finished in the top-five for offense. While fans and management hope for increased production from Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Matthew Knies, it may be their scoring depth — or lack there of — that could be a concern.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton are joined by Leafs Morning Take co-host Nick Alberga to discuss Toronto’s upcoming season and where their secondary scoring will come from.

Tyler Yaremchuk: If the Leafs want to get back in the playoffs, we’re talking about them having to have a 21-to-22-point improvement, year-over-year. After John Chayka’s first offseason, they made a lot of changes. The goaltending is different, the forward group is different.

When we talk about areas of concern … where do you go?

Nick Alberga: It’s probably scoring depth. I know Jack Roslovic is a good player, but ultimately, is he going to hang around the top-six forward group for 82 games? I’m still reserving judgement, and I know he has that connection with Auston Matthews from the U.S. development program.

I know they’re hoping Matthews will be that alpha from a few years; William Nylander and John Tavares are getting older, and Matthew Knies is looking for a bounce-back season. Who is going to provide that secondary, depth scoring? Easton Cowan and Nick Paul come to mind. The bottom-six forwards also look good, but we’ll see how it all comes together.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…