3 Maple Leafs X-Factors to Watch This Postseason

Every postseason, it’s not just the stars who make the difference. It’s the unexpected contributors, the players who catch fire at the right time or step up when others falter. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, a few names on the spotlight’s fringe could become X-Factors in the Maple Leafs’ playoff push.



Here are three Maple Leafs’ players who could emerge as X-factors this spring:

Potential Maple Leafs X-Factor One: Max Domi

Max Domi’s regular season has been a mixed bag, marked by offensive droughts and flashes of the creativity he’s capable of. But down the stretch, playing alongside William Nylander and John Tavares, Domi showed signs of life, racking up two primary assists in a win over Carolina and generating chances in the season finale.

His playoff pedigree (17 points in his last 22 postseason games) suggests he could flip the switch when the games get tighter. Domi’s intensity and playmaking could become a major playoff asset if he can balance his fire with control.

Potential Maple Leafs X-Factor Two: Nick Robertson

Nick Robertson hasn’t locked down a regular role. However, he’s made his minutes count when he’s been in the lineup. He ranks among the team’s best in 5-on-5 goals per 60 minutes and brings a shoot-first mentality that could be vital in low-scoring playoff games.

Robertson’s ice time may depend on injuries or lineup choices, but if the Maple Leafs need a spark — or a goal — Robertson’s finishing touch could be too valuable to keep in the press box. He can score.

Bobby McMann can score for the Maple Leafs’ third line.

Potential Maple Leafs X-Factor Three: Bobby McMann — Left Wing

Making his NHL playoff debut, Bobby McMann brings size, speed, and an underrated scoring touch. He hit the 20-goal mark during the season despite limited usage late in the year, and his north-south game complements top-tier playmakers like Nylander and Tavares.

McMann could easily be moved up the lineup into the top-six units if he’s healthy and can get back in rhythm. He’s the kind of power-forward who can make life difficult for playoff opponents. His size matches well against the Ottawa Senators in the first playoff series. While he might not be a household name yet, his upside is undeniable.

Related: Do the Maple Leafs Actually Have Two Third Lines—Not None?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *