Maple Leafs Enter Post-Olympic Stretch With Questions, Hope - and a Whole Lot Riding on Matthews
The Olympic break came at an interesting time for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Just as they were starting to claw their way back into the playoff picture, the league hit pause.
Now, with the final stretch of the season looming, the Leafs return with a mix of cautious optimism and pressing uncertainty. And at the center of it all?
Auston Matthews - captain, centerpiece, and now, Olympic headliner.
Matthews on the World Stage: Can His Olympic Fire Ignite the Leafs?
Auston Matthews didn’t just head to Italy to represent Team USA - he took with him the weight of an entire franchise. Before the break, the Leafs had finally found some rhythm, stringing together three straight wins, including a statement victory over the Oilers to cap off a Western Canada sweep.
That surge couldn’t have come at a better time, especially after a brutal stretch that saw them drop six in a row and eight of nine. The whispers of a shakeup were getting louder.
Then came the break.
Now, all eyes are on Matthews. He’s always been a player who thrives under pressure, and if he can deliver on the Olympic stage, that confidence could come roaring back with him to Toronto. He’s never missed the postseason in his NHL career - and as captain, he’s not about to let that change without a fight.
Toronto is six points out of a playoff spot in a crowded Eastern Conference. That’s not an impossible gap, but it’s not a comfortable one either.
And the schedule doesn’t offer much breathing room. Right out of the gate, they face three key Atlantic Division matchups - Tampa Bay, Florida, and Ottawa.
These aren’t just games; they’re potential turning points. Wins could launch a playoff push.
Losses could make the hill even steeper.
If Matthews can channel the energy and leadership he’s showing with Team USA and bring that swagger back into the Leafs’ locker room, it could be the spark this team needs. The pieces are there - they just need to click.
Bo Groulx Making Noise in the AHL - and Maybe Knocking on the NHL Door
While the big club was on pause, the Toronto Marlies were still grinding - and Benoit-Olivier “Bo” Groulx made sure his name stayed in the conversation. In a 5-1 win over Springfield, Groulx notched a goal and two assists, snapping out of a mini-slump and reminding everyone why he’s been one of the Marlies’ most reliable players this season.
At 26, Groulx isn’t some fresh-faced rookie. He’s a 6-foot-2, 204-pound center out of Rouen, France, with NHL experience and a game that’s matured over time.
Drafted by Anaheim back in 2018, he’s bounced around a bit - a stint with the Rangers, and now a key piece in Toronto’s AHL system. Through 44 games this year, he’s got 21 goals, 18 assists, and a plus-9 rating.
Quietly productive, consistently involved.
What makes Groulx intriguing isn’t just his numbers - it’s his game. He plays with pace, has a nose for the net, and doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas. He’s the kind of player who could step into a bottom-six NHL role and make an impact without needing a long runway.
With the trade deadline approaching and a few veteran forwards potentially on the move, there’s a real chance Groulx gets the call. The Leafs aren’t in a rush - but if they need a spark or some fresh legs, he’s earned a look.
Leafs and Oilers Talk Trade - But It’s Not About Bobby McMann
Trade chatter between Toronto and Edmonton isn’t new - but this time, the names in play took a surprising turn. According to reports, the Leafs and Oilers held discussions before the Olympic roster freeze, but it wasn’t Bobby McMann who drew the Oilers’ attention. Instead, Edmonton was reportedly eyeing Nicolas Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
That’s a shift from the usual narrative. McMann, with his low cap hit and gritty style, has often been linked to Edmonton, especially given his history of playing well against them. But this time, the focus was on depth and versatility - and both Roy and Ekman-Larsson fit that bill.
Roy has been a dependable middle-six forward, bringing size, smarts, and a two-way presence. Ekman-Larsson, meanwhile, has been a steadying force on Toronto’s blue line - not flashy, but effective. For a team like Edmonton looking to shore up depth without mortgaging the future, those are attractive options.
From Toronto’s side, this opens up some interesting possibilities. They’re not in a position where they have to move anyone.
But if the return is right - especially with the deadline looming - they could flip either player for assets that help now and later. And if Edmonton circles back post-Olympics, the Leafs will be ready to listen.
The Road Ahead: Crucial Games, Trade Decisions, and a Captain Leading the Charge
This next stretch will define the Maple Leafs’ season. They’re chasing a playoff spot, balancing trade possibilities, and watching closely as their captain tries to lead two teams at once - one in red, white, and blue, the other in blue and white.
Matthews’ performance in Italy could set the tone. Groulx’s emergence gives them options. And the trade market is still simmering, with the potential to reshape the roster in subtle but meaningful ways.
There’s no sugarcoating it - the Leafs need wins. They need momentum.
And they need their leaders to lead. If they can string together a few more of those complete, confident performances we saw before the break, they’ve got a shot.
But the margin for error is razor-thin.
The post-Olympic sprint is on. For the Maple Leafs, it’s time to find out who they really are.