The Maple Leafs Are Worse on Paper, But Chayka’s Plan May Actually Work

When a team loses nearly 170 points worth of production in one offseason, the natural reaction is to assume it has become weaker. At first glance, that appears to be exactly what happened to the Toronto Maple Leafs. John Chayka replaced a group that combined for 86 goals and 170 points last season with veterans who produced just 47 goals and 88 points. If offence were the only measuring stick, the verdict would already be in.

But after taking a closer look at each addition, we don’t think that’s what Chayka was trying to accomplish. His objective wasn’t simply to replace production. It was to reshape the identity of the Maple Leafs.

Who’s In, Who’s Out of the Maple Leafs Lineup

Added: Colton Sissons, Jack Roslovic, Nick Paul, Brandon Duhaime, Teddy Blueger, and Gavin McKenna.

Departed: Matias Maccelli, Nicholas Robertson, Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, Calle Järnkrok, and Nicolas Roy.

Question Mark: Max Domi’s availability remains uncertain following back surgery, with reports suggesting he may miss the start of the season or possibly the entire year.

The Offence Only Tells Part of the Story

On paper, the changes don’t look encouraging offensively. The six departing forwards combined for 86 goals and 170 points last season. The five veteran additions totalled just 47 goals and 88 points.

The one important exception is Nick Paul. Injuries limited him to just seven goals and 15 points in 2025-26, but over the previous two seasons he produced 46 goals and 87 points. If healthy, Paul should contribute much closer to that level. Even after accounting for Paul’s injury-shortened season, one thing becomes obvious.

Chayka wasn’t chasing offence.

The Maple Leafs Will Ice a Different Kind of Forward Group

Each acquisition appears to have been made with a specific purpose. Colton Sissons brings defensive reliability, faceoff ability, and penalty-killing experience. Nick Paul combines size, strength, and physical play with the ability to contribute offensively when healthy. Maple Leafs fans know all too well how dangerous he can be in the playoffs.

Jack Roslovic provides something Toronto has lacked at times—elite straight-line speed and the ability to carry the puck cleanly through the neutral zone. Brandon Duhaime also brings speed but adds an edge. He has recorded more than 900 hits in just five NHL seasons while earning a reputation as a dependable defensive forward who is willing to stand up for teammates.

Teddy Blueger is another proven shutdown forward and penalty-killing specialist whose defensive play stands out more than his offensive totals.

The Maple Leafs Wild Card Is Gavin McKenna

The jewel of Chayka’s offseason is, of course, first overall pick Gavin McKenna. Elite Prospects describes him as “the most electrifying offensive prospect in the world outside of the NHL,” while Draft Prospects projects him as a future top-line franchise cornerstone. The expectation is that McKenna will step directly into Toronto’s lineup. Where he begins remains the biggest question.

Does Toronto immediately place him alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies, or John Tavares? Or do they ease him into the NHL by giving him more sheltered minutes alongside veterans such as Paul? Whatever decision the coaching staff makes, McKenna has the talent to replace a significant portion of the offensive production lost during the offseason.

The Pattern Becomes Clear

Once you step back and examine the additions as a group, a clear pattern emerges. Chayka didn’t go shopping for offence. He went shopping for players who defend well, kill penalties, skate, win puck battles, and make life difficult for opponents.

Roslovic is the lone veteran addition known primarily for his offensive ability. Every other experienced addition is recognized first for what he does without the puck.

There is another noticeable trend. With the exception of 18-year-old McKenna, every newcomer is an established NHL player between the ages of 29 and 31. There are no aging former stars hoping to squeeze out one more productive season. Nor are there prospects expected to develop into contributors several years down the road.

They are proven NHL players who know exactly what they are and exactly what role they are expected to play.

Our First Impression of This Maple Leafs Forward Group

The ultimate success of this forward group will still depend largely on the returning core of Matthews, Nylander, Knies, and Tavares. Those four will continue to carry the offensive load, and after last season’s disappointment, they should have plenty of motivation.

Our opinion of Chayka’s offseason has changed considerably. Initially, we questioned whether he had sacrificed too much offence. The deeper we looked into each acquisition, the more convinced we became that replacing goals was never the primary objective.

Instead, Chayka appears determined to build a harder team to play against—a team that defends better, pressures the puck, wins battles, and is better equipped for playoff hockey. Whether that philosophy proves successful won’t be known until the games begin.

The new forwards don’t replace the lost offence. But they may give Toronto something it has lacked for years. Our first impression has changed. We were skeptical. We’re not anymore.