In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News and Rumors, I’ll delve into several topics leading up to the All-Star Break. First, I’ll address the anticipated success of the first line with Tyler Bertuzzi joining Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. My initial expectation was a dynamic trio lighting up the scoreboard. Why hasn’t it materialized?
Next, I’ll shift to Morgan Rielly’s impressive season, tracing back to last year’s postseason. Rielly has embraced a more offensive role, as evidenced by his increased ice time and scoring. He’s particularly upped his number of assists over last season.
Last, I want to consider how the team’s goalie issues might be solved after the All-Star Break. That might be the biggest need before the postseason. Will Joseph Woll return successfully? Will Ilya Samsonov be able to continue his stellar play? What happens with Martin Jones?
Item One: I Missed the Boat with Tyler Bertuzzi
Entering the All-Star Break, I remain puzzled by the performance of Tyler Bertuzzi. When he was signed, I had high hopes for a dynamic first line of Marner, Matthews, and Bertuzzi. However, their expected chemistry and explosive offence hasn’t materialized.
Related: Bertuzzi’s Lack of Scoring Should Raise Maple Leafs Concerns
Others were optimistic as well. Yet, the chasm between preseason optimism and reality is vast. Marner has 53 points in 47 games, which is less than expected. It isn’t off-the-charts poor, but the offensive surge I anticipated with Bertuzzi as a powerhouse linemate has fallen far short of expectations.
Why hasn’t the addition of Bertuzzi been impactful? His underlying numbers are solid, but six goals and 14 assists (for 20 points) in 46 games are less than half the offensive production most anticipated.
Item Two: Morgan Rielly Is Having Another Career Season
In 2018-19, Morgan Rielly had an impressive season with the Maple Leafs. In 82 games, he scored 20 goals and 72 points. While he hasn’t put up 70 points again, he’s been an indispensable defenseman for the team. This season, he’s playing a bit differently. It’s as if his game is evolving, and he’s becoming an even bigger part of the team’s success.
Related: Ranking the Maple Leafs’ 4 All-Stars
Others have noticed, as well. As a result, he earned a spot as one of the team’s All-Star representatives. Good on him for that achievement.
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