The resumption of the NHL regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs is still in question in spite of the encouraging news over the last week, but that is not going to prevent us at Hockeybuzz from providing daily content for our readers. We will continue to provide you with updates on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to the season, but we will also report on news specific to the Toronto Maple Leafs and reflect on the club’s season and player performances through 70 games.
Today we continue with the player report card by looking at a couple more of the Leafs forwards:
John Tavares
Coming off a career-high 47 goals in his first year with Toronto, the 29-year-old was named the Leafs team captain at the start of the season. Tavares’ level of consistency and his calm demeanor made him the wise choice to wear the C, but his leadership was tested during the year through the firing of head coach Mike Babcock and the club’s roller-coaster performance.
The 29-year-old was on pace to reach the 30-goal mark for the sixth time in his career (with 26 goals, 34 assists in 63 games) before the season pause. Tavares missed three weeks with a broken finger in October and had to adjust to new linemates as Sheldon Keefe moved Mitch Marner to play with Auston Matthews, which undoubtedly affected his point totals, but the veteran center should get some credit for William Nylander’s improved production.
Grade - B+
Kyle Clifford
Acquired from Los Angeles along with Jack Campbell for a pair of draft picks and Trevor Moore in early February, the two-time Cup winner was added to give the Leafs some veteran experience and sandpaper which they were sorely lacking.
The 29-year-old played mostly fourth line, but did fulfill his duties as a physical presence with timely hits and three fights, as well as scoring three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 16 games. Grade - C+
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