As the Toronto Maple Leafs get ready for the playoffs, the skill of their depth played will be a key factor to the team’s success. One player who has quietly made his mark this season and deserves a look in the postseason lineup is Pontus Holmberg. Holmberg’s versatile skill set brings solid structure that could help the team during a long playoff run.
Here are the key reasons why Holmberg should be in the Leafs’ playoff lineup:
1. Holmberg Is Exceptional at Drawing Penalties
That Holmberg draws a ton of penalties has been a feature of his game this season. The number of penalties drawn hovers around 30. In that aspect, he leads the Maple Leafs by a wide margin. He’s even ahead of star players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander. This stat highlights Holmberg’s ability to control the puck and create opportunities for the team.
Drawing penalties is essential to a team’s success, especially in the playoffs. There, power plays can often determine the outcome of games. Holmberg’s knack for drawing penalties could give the team critical power-play opportunities. Given that their power play is one of the best in the NHL, that’s a huge benefit for the team.
2. Holmberg is Defensively Reliable
So far, Holmberg hasn’t posted big offensive numbers during his NHL career. However, his defensive game remains strong. He has been dependable in stopping the other team’s scoring chances. His 5v5 statistics show that he minimizes goals against. And, after all, isn’t that the essence of effective defense?
With the Maple Leafs’ depth a key factor in playoff matchups, Holmberg’s defensive play could help stabilize the bottom-six lines. His playstyle allows the more offensive-minded players to focus on scoring.
3. Holmberg Versatility and Adaptability Help the Team
Holmberg’s ability to adapt to different linemates and situations makes him a versatile asset. He’s played with many line partners during the season, including stars like William Nylander and John Tavares. He also fits well in the bottom six, adding a defensive element to line partners like Max Domi and Nick Robertson.
Holmberg’s flexibility helps the coaching staff experiment with different line combinations, knowing he can hold his own defensively. His flexibility will be valuable in shaping the lineup to match what opponents throw at the team when the playoffs arrive.
The Bottom Line for Holmberg and the Maple Leafs
Pontus Holmberg might not always light up the stat sheet. But his ability to draw penalties, stop offensive chances, and play solid defense makes him an asset for the Maple Leafs when the checking gets tighter in the playoffs. As the team enters the postseason, his steady game could be the X-factor the team needs.
Whether he’s used in defensive matchups or to help special teams, Holmberg has the potential to play a role in the Maple Leafs’ playoff success. As former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe used to say, Holmberg seldom makes mistakes on the ice. That’s a good thing in the postseason, where a single mistake can quickly put you on the boat back home.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Line Combos: What’s Working What Needs Improved
