Ex-Canucks HC Bruce Boudreau crowns Toronto Maple Leafs as team with most impressive offseason

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 08, 2024 07:05 GMT

In a recent video on NHL Network's X (formerly Twitter), former Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau praised the Toronto Maple Leafs for their impressive offseason.

Boudreau's praise for the Toronto Maple Leafs isn't just because he's from Toronto. He genuinely appreciates their strategic upgrades. He particularly noted the significant impact of their three new defensive acquisitions.

"I'm not just saying this (just because) I'm from Toronto, but I really like what they did with their defense," Boudreau said.

Boudreau stressed the importance of the new defensemen the Leafs added. He mentioned Chris Tanev and praised Oliver Ekman-Larsson, noting that he is strong when at his best. Boudreau believes these defensive upgrades enhance Toronto's already strong offense.

"The three acquisitions that they made to bolster their defense, you know, especially when you get Tanev, I had Ekman Larson, when he's at his best, he's still a really good defenseman. All of these guys are really good players, and Toronto has already got the offense, they can get the defense now to go with it. I really believe that they can make it past that first round and go a little bit further," Boudreau added.

Boudreau believes these changes could help the Toronto Maple Leafs finally get past the first round of the playoffs. The Leafs already had a strong 2023-24 season performance with 46 wins, 26 losses, 10 overtime losses, and 102 points. They are expected to have balance on both ends.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares donated to PIE Education backpack program

The John Tavares Foundation, founded by Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares and his wife Aryne in 2020, donated $37,500 to the PIE Education backpack program for 2024. This donation will provide 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need across Toronto.

The foundation shared the news on Instagram, expressing gratitude to their supporters. The backpacks will be given to children in underserved communities through Toronto Housing, helping them succeed in school.

"We are thrilled to share that the John Tavares Foundation has donated $37,500 to the PIE Education backpack program for 2024! This achievement would not have been possible without your unwavering generosity and belief in our mission."

The John Tavares Foundation has also donated $50,000 to the Ballantyne Project and $20,000 to the Alexandra Park Project revitalization program. The foundation aims to support and provide resources for children to thrive.

Aryne Tavares shared the reasons for starting the foundation, emphasizing the joy of seeing smiles on children's faces. The couple had dreamed of starting a foundation for years but waited for the right time. When John signed with Toronto in 2018, their plans became a reality, and the foundation was launched in early 2020.