David Kämpf opened the scoring in his 500th career NHL game, and Mitch Marner scored a hat trick thanks in part to excellent passes from John Tavares and William Nylander. The Maple Leafs’ best players were their best players, and the overall team grade is an A.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has been an inconsistent feature in the lineup this season. However, that hasn’t hindered the team’s ability to control and win games.

If not Schenn, the Leafs could pursue David Savard, the muscly Montreal Canadiens defender playing on an expiring contract ($3.5 million cap hit). He fits the meat-and-potatoes prototype, but the Leafs still can’t be sure he’ll be comfortable playing next to Rielly.

Detroit Red Wings Lucas Raymond, Ben Chiarot & Todd McLellan, Dec. 27, 2024 in Detroit. Helene St. James. Detroit Red Wings react after 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in the NHL. While the team has had its share of missteps in the trade department, some key deals have shaped the franchise’s future.