Auston Matthews (Claus Andersen, Getty Images)
An impressive end to the 2021 calendar year for Toronto hasn't exactly carried over to 2022, with the Leafs having trouble stringing 60 consistent minutes of hockey together.
Nevertheless, as a whole, the 2021-22 season should be seen a success. After another devastating playoff loss last year, the Leafs are in the top 5 in the NHL in terms of points percentage. Their first-ranked power play and sixth-ranked penalty kill have been major parts of this strong season, but there have been some really strong individual performances as well.
Following the Leafs' 41st game of the NHL season (the halfway point of their regular season campaign), I decided to give each Leafs player a grade and compare it to the grades that I showed at the 1/4 mark of their season. I thought it would be interesting to see if the grades had changed much.
Let's begin with the forwards.
FORWARDS
Michael Bunting
One of the best signings of the season, Michael Bunting has combined relentless energy with a great shot and immediate chemistry with linemate Auston Matthews. He is fourth in the league in terms of goals by players scored with a cap hit lower than $1 million. He's a key net-front presence and has exceeded even the wildest expectations of him.
1/4 Mark Grade: A-
1/2 Mark Grade: A
Auston Matthews
A legitimate Hart Trophy candidate, Matthews is an absolute beast on both sides of the puck. He's on pace for 60 goals and 100 points, while playing Selke Trophy-worthy defense. He shook off a slow start to reach the level we knew he was capable of. Unfortunately, I can't give him a perfect grade until I see it in the playoffs.
1/4 Mark Grade: B+
1/2 Mark Grade: A
Mitch Marner
We are finally seeing the best of Mitch Marner after an inconsistent start. His projected numbers for the season aren't yet elite, but at the rate he has been playing in 2022, he should easily reach 80 points this year. His penalty-killing prowess is also a major benefit to the team.
1/4 Mark Grade: B
1/2 Mark Grade: B+
Alex Kerfoot
I don't think Kerfoot is getting enough credit for the season he is having. He is a Swiss Army Knife for the Leafs, capable of playing anywhere in the lineup. His energy is close to that of Bunting. He has finally discovered his role with the team.
1/4 Mark Grade: B+
1/2 Mark Grade: B+
John Tavares
It's been an entirely unremarkable campaign for the captain after a horror injury in the playoffs last season. Tavares has sacrificed a bit of his offensive game for a more responsible defensive role this year. He hasn't been at his best in 2022, but he is certainly a star on this team.
1/4 Mark Grade: B+
1/2 Mark Grade: A-
William Nylander
Nylander has a legitimate case for being the Leafs' best player this season. He has added so many more elements to his game, particularly in the defensive zone. He could legitimately get 40 goals and 90 points this season.
1/4 Mark Grade: A-
1/2 Mark Grade: A
Ilya Mikheyev
Sure, it's been a small sample size. But Mikheyev's opportunistic play in the offensive zone has been impressive in 2022. His speed makes the David Kampf line a lot more dangerous offensively. With an expected departure in free agency, Leafs fans need to appreciate "Cobra" while we can.
1/4 Mark Grade: N/A
1/2 Mark Grade: B+
David Kampf
The Czech has been the Leafs' best primarily defensive center in years and is helping the penalty kill establish themselves as a top-tier group. He hasn't been able to create much offense, but he wasn't expected to do so. All in all, a really good signing for the team.
1/4 Mark Grade: A
1/2 Mark Grade: A-
Ondrej Kase
On a 70-point pace since November, Kase's effective penalty killing and hustle has helped the Leafs' bottom-six really establish themselves. A few missed games due to COVID protocol lowers his grade just slightly.
1/4 Mark Grade: A
1/2 Mark Grade: A-
Pierre Engvall
Engvall has finally put together his skill and skating ability to become a valuable bottom-six contributor for the Leafs. I'd like to see more physicality from the Swede. Nevertheless, the third or fourth lines are always better with him playing there.
1/4 Mark Grade: B-
1/2 Mark Grade: B+
Jason Spezza
Spezza impacted games so effortlessly last year and though he hasn't been able to replicate that form in '21-'22, he is bringing some offense to the fourth line while making the veteran minimum. Can't really complain with that.
1/4 Mark Grade: A-
1/2 Mark Grade: B
Wayne Simmonds
Simmonds has had rough puck luck all season, but his hard-working play and veteran leadership off the ice are both positives for Sheldon Keefe's team. The Scarborough native isn't used to such a limited role, but he has been good when on the ice.
1/4 Mark Grade: B+
1/2 Mark Grade: B
Nick Ritchie
It simply hasn't worked out in Toronto for Ritchie. He doesn't fit on any of the lines and the physical presence that he was expected to bring hasn't been notable. He is now an overly expensive 13th forward.
1/4 Mark Grade: D
1/2 Mark Grade: D
1/2 Mark Grade: D
Kyle Clifford
The trade for Clifford didn't seem very useful when it occurred and his performances during his second stint as a Leaf haven't changed my mind. He doesn't seem to be any more than an extra forward, though.
1/4 Mark Grade: N/A
1/2 Mark Grade: C-
DEFENSEMEN
Morgan Rielly
This has been the best year of Morgan Rielly's career. He is playing heavy minutes and succeeding both offensively and defensively. His extension looks more well-deserved with each passing game, as he has been a part of the Leafs' only reliable D pairing this season.
1/4 Mark Grade: B+
1/2 Mark Grade: A
TJ Brodie
A very effective top-pair defensemen for the Leafs. Brodie has massively helped the Leafs' penalty kill improve the way it has and he is even creating more offensive chances. However, he has been prone to a few miscues this season.
1/4 Mark Grade: B
1/2 Mark Grade: B+
Jake Muzzin
One of the most dependable defensemen of his generation, Muzzin has really struggled to keep up his stability. If he can stay healthy and consistent, he helps the Leafs be at their best. So far this season, he hasn't been either.
1/4 Mark Grade: C+
1/2 Mark Grade: C
Justin Holl
An absolute liability at the start of the year, Holl has improved quite a bit since the calendar shifted to 2022. In more sheltered minutes and with different partners on the blueline, he is suppressing chances at a much higher rate than he was in the early part of the season.
1/4 Mark Grade: C-
1/2 Mark Grade: C+
Rasmus Sandin
A real shining light on Toronto's D-corps, Sandin has answered all questions about whether he can be a top-4 defenseman for the team with improved play in all three zones. He's had a lot of different partners this year, but has been consistently good for the Leafs.
1/4 Mark Grade: A-
1/2 Mark Grade: A-
Travis Dermott
It's clearly over for Dermott in the Blue and White. Even his puck control, which was once considered a strength in his game, has dwindled, leaving him as a defensemen who can't defend and can barely create offense.
1/4 Mark Grade: C+
1/2 Mark Grade: C-
Timothy Liljegren
Liljegren is clearly not a perfect player. He's made more errors than any other Leafs defensemen, despite playing sheltered minutes. He still shows a lot of blemishes. But, for a young prospect, he has looked better than a few of his teammates. With experience, he will gain confidence and the mistakes will become less common.
1/4 Mark Grade: B+
1/2 Mark Grade: B
GOALIES
Jack Campbell
A borderline MVP candidate in the first few months of the season, something has happened to Campbell since the beginning of 2022. He has a sub-.900 goals against average since the winter break and even if you ignore the numbers, he has been letting in goals that you'd expect him to save. Either way, a stumble was expected and he still has a sparkling win-loss record.
1/4 Mark Grade: A+
1/2 Mark Grade: A
Petr Mrazek
The free agency signing hasn't played nearly as much as expected, due to injuries and Jack Campbell's great play. However, he hasn't been bad when he has hit the ice. If he can succeed in a bigger role as the season goes along, expect his grade to rise.
1/4 Mark Grade: C
1/2 Mark Grade: C
Joseph Woll
It's hard to grade Joseph Woll, since he hasn't really played since I made my quarter mark of the season grades. He's a perfect third goalie, but you'd expect that he would have maybe made one or two more appearances in Campbell's place when Mrazek was out.
1/4 Mark Grade: A-
1/2 Mark Grade: B+
HEAD COACH AND GENERAL MANAGER
Sheldon Keefe
Keefe's defensive system, which was inspiring so much confidence early in the season, has been shaky at best lately. Nevertheless, on the whole, Keefe's Leafs have been drastically outperforming expectations.
1/4 Mark Grade: A
1/2 Mark Grade: A-
Kyle Dubas
I am a very vocal supporter of Kyle Dubas. He isn't one of the stars playing poorly in the playoffs and it isn't his job to instill mental toughness into the squad. Though Nick Ritchie's acquisition was a bit of a disaster, Michael Bunting, Ondrej Kase and Rasmus Sandin (all acquired under Dubas) have been key parts of this team.
1/4 Mark Grade: B+
1/2 Mark Grade: A-
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