"In today's game, I like the length of our defense. I like the makeup of our defense. But you still have to be able to get up and down the ice. There are things we can do in terms of closing quicker and taking away space... In today's game, you need your D to be active, right? We need to get more offense from our defense - not just goals, but creating."
"The Leafs ' defense unit scored the fewest goals in the league in 2024-25, which isn't incredibly surprising, given the team largely ran a five-forward top power play unit. They were slightly better in total points - 18th in the league - but this was also a team that was seventh in the league in goals per game, so the defense will pick up points along the way as the forwards regularly shot the lights out."
Preseason focus has centered on the forward group while the defense remains largely unchanged. The top-six defensive unit that finished the playoffs together is expected to start the 2025-26 regular season. The veteran group contributed to a goaltending duo that posted the second-best five-on-five save percentage and helped the team finish eighth in goals against per game. Defensive shortcomings include limited offensive output and room for improvement in mobility, gap control, and creating offense. Offseason moves were minimal, with Henry Thrun added and facing a difficult roster battle, while the UFA market offered few high-quality defense options.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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