NHL: Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — Looking at three Toronto Maple Leafs players that could regress this season (Image credit: Imagn)

3 Toronto Maple Leafs stars likely to regress in 2024 ft. John Tavares

Modified Aug 17, 2024 16:59 GMT

Last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs suffered yet another first-round defeat in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking their third first-round exit in four years and their sixth first-round exit in the past eight years. As a result, general manager Brad Treliving bolstered the team's roster in anticipation of what the Leafs hope will be a big Stanley Cup playoff run this year.

Most notably, the team overhauled its defensive lines while maintaining its core forward unit, despite Treliving stating that the team would explore every possible option. In addition, the team also hired coach Craig Berube, whom the franchise believes will usher in a new era for the franchise.

At the same time, the team also has several young prospects developing in their prospect pool, giving the Maple Leafs hope for the future. This season, however, while players like Auston Matthews look to continue their dominance, others could wind up seeing regressions in their play.

3 Toronto Maple Leafs players are likely to regress in 2024

#1. Jani Hakanpaa

NHL: San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars (Source: Imagn

This season, if Jani Hakanpaa plays, it wouldn't be surprising to see the defenseman regress on the ice. After suffering an injury late last season while playing with the Dallas Stars, he missed the entirety of the postseason before undergoing surgery.

Although the Maple Leafs agreed to a two-year contract this offseason, it sounds as though there is some real concern surrounding his knee issue, resulting in a delay in contract signing.

#2. Ryan Reaves

NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs (Source: Imagn)

Right winger Ryan Reaves is entering the second year of his three-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed prior to the 2023–24 season. By the time the 2024–25 NHL season ends, Reaves will be 38 years old, raising questions about his long-term future.

Last season, Reaves played 49 games with the Maple Leafs, logging just six points in his first year with the franchise. Given his age and decline in production, a regression shouldn't be surprising this year.

#3. John Tavares

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs—Source: Imagn

Former captain John Tavares played 80 games last season for the second straight year. However, his point total dropped from 80 in 2022–23 to 65 during the 2023–24 season.

While that number isn't alarming and still puts Tavares in elite company, given his age, it wouldn't be surprising to see Tavares' production numbers drop once again in the year ahead.