Despite the defeat, Tavares’ 500th goal solidified his place among the NHL’s most accomplished scorers and in Maple Leafs history. The former captain joined Mats Sundin (564) as the only players in history to score their 500th tally while playing for the Leafs.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: The Leafs needed someone other than Morgan Rielly to deliver some offence from the back end. Ekman-Larsson was the most logical candidate and he’s delivered so far, with seven points. He and Benoit have delivered solid minutes when paired together. Will he get an opportunity on PP1 at some point?

Ever since recording two goals against the St. Louis Blues in the second game of the season, the New York-native didn't register a single point in the next six games. He was a healthy scratch in the previous game's win against the New York Rangers, but was brought back in Toronto as a fourth-line forward.

Toronto acquired Nicolas Roy as a depth center in the Marner trade, and he had been an above-average depth piece on the Golden Knights. He's not generating enough shots or pulling his puck-possession weight enough to earn a third-line center role.

As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to chase history with their third World Series appearance, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors will be rallying behind the team and giving fans the opportunity

In our first prospect report of 2025-26, let's take a look at reasons for optimism among a group of Leafs prospects enjoying stellar starts.

The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ month of October in 2025-26 has gone the exact same way the month of October has gone every year for the past half-decade. That hasn’t made things any easier to watch, but it’s worth a reminder before allow too many ‘this is the year they fall off’ takes to hit the floor.