More talk of north-south play. More physical. More defence. Bigger. Stronger.
“We’re going to build on what we did last year,” said forward Max Domi. “Be a hard team to play against, a lot of energy, a lot of depth, roll four lines and beat everyone.”
Berube is quite familiar with most of the returning players. More important, perhaps, is that they are all familiar with him.
“There’s certainly a better understanding of where we need to play, the way we have to play,” said centre John Tavares. “We continue to bring in a little bit more size, a little more length. We’ve got so much versatility in our lineup. It’d be great to see our team develop that identity, just wave after wave, line after line, pairing after pairing, netminder after netminder, just kind of coming at you and being very difficult to handle and just wear opponents down.”
“We want to look like we did last year,” said Berube. “We’re a direct team. We want to play good defence. We’ve got to check, make sure we’re defensively sound, giving our goalies good looks to make saves. And offensively we want to be direct. We want to shoot pucks, we want to get to the net, score some dirty goals. I don’t see a whole lot of changing.”
Here’s a closer look at the 2025-26 Maple Leafs:
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, left, and defenceman Morgan Rielly each have something to prove this season.
Michael Chisholm NHLI via Getty Images
Forwards
Vitals: 28 years old, 6-foot-3, 217 pounds.
Contract: Second season of a four-year extension. Cap hit: $13.25 million (U.S.). Full no-movement clause.
Last year: A back injury limited him to 67 games and a career-low 33 goals. Won 56.8 per cent of his faceoffs, 14th in the NHL.
Storylines: How will his back and overall health hold up? How will he score without Mitch Marner? Can he get back to the 50-goal plateau? Can he lead the United States to Olympic gold in Italy?
X-factor: He’ll want to prove he can score without Marner.
Vitals: 29 years old, 6 feet, 202 pounds.
Contract: Second season of an eight-year, $92-million deal. Cap hit: $11.5 million. Full no-movement clause.
Last year: A career year for goals (45) and got in touch with his defensive side. Scored 22 times with a wrist shot, fourth in the league.
Storylines: Will he ever get five-on-five time with Matthews? Can he kill penalties?
X-factor: Pressure never gets to him.
Vitals: 22 years old, 6-foot-3, 227 pounds.
Contract: First season of a six-year, $46.5-million deal. Cap hit: $7.75 million.
Last year: A career year with 29 goals, 29 assists in 78 games. Moved into a top-line role.
Storylines: Added 10 pounds. Perhaps Berube’s favourite player. Can he make the U.S. Olympic team?
X-factor: Uses that combination of size, speed and skill well.
Vitals: 35 years old, 6-foot-1, 216 pounds.
Contract: First season of a four-year deal worth $17.56 million. Cap hit: $4.39 million. Full no-movement clause this year and next. Limited no-trade (five-team list) for final two years of deal.
Last year: Production returned to near point-a-game level, a remarkable rise given his age. Had 38 goals (second highest), 36 assists in 75 games. His 58.3 faceoff win percentage was fifth in the league.
Storylines: Gained five pounds. Took a team-friendly contract to remain a Leaf. Is there any chance he makes Team Canada for Olympics?
X-factor: Call him Mr. Reliable.
Vitals: 29 years old, 5-foot-10, 209 pounds.
Contract: Second season of a four-year, $15-million deal with a cap hit of $3.75 million. Includes a 13-team no-trade list.
Last year: A slight drop in production to eight goals, 25 assists, but he played all over the lineup. Had his best success with Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson. Got better defensively. His 76 penalty minutes led the team.
Storylines: Will he get Marner’s old job with Matthews? Will he centre his own line? He sometimes seems like a forward without a home.
X-factor: He bleeds blue and white.
Vitals: 24 years old, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds.
Contract: Final season of a three-year, $10.28-million deal. Cap hit: $3.425 million. A restricted free agent on July 1.
Last year: Found himself in the doghouse in Utah after a breakout 2023-24 in Arizona (17 goals, 40 assists).
Storylines: He’s one of a handful of players who’ll get time on Matthews’ wing as a set-up man. If it works, he might earn the nickname Mitchelli.
X-factor: Seems like his energy was renewed by the trade.
Dakota Joshua is back with the Leafs, who drafted him in 2014.
Minas Panagiotakis Getty Images
Vitals: 29 years old, 6-foot-3, 206 pounds.
Contract: Second season of a four-year, $13-million deal. Cap hit: $3.25 million. A 12-team no-trade clause.
Last year: Dealt with testicular cancer and a changing role in a down season in Vancouver (seven goals, seven assists in 57 games).
Storylines: Berube likes the size and trusted him in St. Louis. He returns to a Leafs team that drafted him in 2014, then traded his rights away. Can he help create an identity for the bottom six?
X-factor: A force in the crease.
Vitals: 28 years old, 6-foot-4, 201 pounds.
Contract: Fourth season of a five-year, $15-million deal. Cap hit: $3 million.
Last year: Built a reputation as a hard-nosed but versatile player in Vegas. Steady production continued with 15 goals and 16 assists.
Storylines: The player the Leafs got in the sign-and-trade with Vegas for Marner. Can he find chemistry with Joshua? Can the third line be a difference-maker in close games and playoffs?
X-factor: Tall and lanky with a big reach.
Nicolas Roy built a reputation as a hard-nosed but versatile player in Vegas.
Richard Lautens Toronto Star
Vitals: 34 years old, 6 feet, 191 pounds.
Contract: Final season of a four-year, $8.4-million deal. Cap hit: $2.1 million. Includes a 10-team no-trade list.
Last year: Sidelined by a sports hernia and never fully recovered. Played just 19 games (one goal, six assists). Played hurt in the playoffs.
Storylines: He’s healthy now, but can he hold down a bottom-six job? Reliable penalty killer.
X-factor: A decent shot if he gets the chance.
Vitals: 31 years old, 6-foot-1, 191 pounds.
Contract: Final season of a five-year, $15-million deal. Cap hit: $1.5 million for the Leafs, thanks to salary retention by the Flyers. An unrestricted free agent July 1.
Last year: A 12-goal, 18-assist season that was better in Philadelphia for 60 games than in Toronto for 20. Improved in the playoffs.
Storylines: Eligible for an extension. Loves being a Leaf. Will feel more comfortable in the room after a summer and fall with the team.
X-factor: Has the grit the Leafs lacked from depth centres.
Vitals: 30 years old, 6-foot-2, 193 pounds.
Contract: Third season of a four-year, $9.6-million deal. Cap hit: $2.4 million. Includes a 10-team no-trade list.
Last year: Five goals, eight assists and ho-hum. Played his way into a healthy scratch.
Storylines: The minors? A trade? Seems unlikely he earns a regular role.
X-factor: Might be the fittest player on the team.
Vitals: 29 years old, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds.
Contract: Second season of a two-year, $2.7-million deal. Cap hit: $1.35 million.
Last year: Hit the 20-goal mark for the first time. His first playoff appearance left a lot to be desired.
Storylines: Will he get an extension? Can he play Berube’s game? He wants to shoot. Berube wants him in front of the net. Still has something to prove.
X-factor: Learning to play with confidence.
Vitals: 24 years old, 5-foot-9, 178 pounds.
Contract: One-year deal at $1.825 million. A restricted free agent July 1.
Last year: Had 15 goals, mostly at even strength. Had trouble earning a bigger role because he’s undersized, but he can score. Added some grit to his game.
Storylines: He will continually come up in trade talk.
X-factor: He’s got a never-quit mentality.
Nick Robertson has added some grit to his game.
Nick Lachance Toronto Star
Vitals: 28 years old, 6-foot-4, 216 pounds.
Contract: First season of a three-year, $4.05-million contract. Cap hit: $1.35 million.
Last year: Arrived at camp before last season on a professional tryout, earned a one-year deal and parlayed that into three more years. Tied a career high in points (19). Five of his eight goals were game-winners. Led Leafs forwards with 199 hits.
Storylines: Living his best life with a Stanley Cup ring from 2024 and now playing for his favourite team.
X-factor: An energy guy with a knack for big goals.
Vitals: 29 years old, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds.
Contract: One-year, $775,000. An unrestricted free agent July 1.
Last year: Fell out of favour and failed to make the Canucks on a professional tryout but signed an AHL deal. Blais won the Calder Cup as a member of the Abbotsford Canucks.
Storylines: This is his third tour of duty under Craig Berube — he won the Stanley Cup in St. Louis, was traded, and then traded back. Injuries and suspensions have followed him around. Played for Canada, winning world championship gold in 2023.
X-factor: Using his size to his advantage.
Vitals: 23 years old, 6 feet, 205 pounds.
Contract: Second year of a $1.75-million deal. Cap hit: $875,000. A restricted free agent July 1.
Storylines: A surprise addition to the Leafs roster but certainly someone who will see action over the course of the season. It may be one of assistant GM Brandon Pridham’s salary-cap compliance moves, maximizing cap space if a player needs to be put on long-term injured reserve before Wednesday.
X-factor: Has to prove he belongs.
Vitals: 20 years old, 6 feet, 185 pounds.
Contract: First season of three-year, $2.62-million entry-level deal. Cap hit: $873,500.
Last year: Won the Memorial Cup with the London Knights, voted OHL MVP. He’s ready for his close-up.
Storylines: Will start with the AHL Marlies in his first year as a pro. The training-camp debate was whether he should play big minutes in the minors or on the fourth line in the NHL. Doesn’t require waivers between leagues.
X-factor: Less flash, but more 200-foot commitment.
Defenceman
Vitals: 31 years old, 6-foot-1, 225 pounds.
Contract: Fourth season of an eight-year, $51-million deal. Cap hit: $7.5 million. Full no-movement clause.
Last year: A drop-off in production (seven goals, 34 assists) was most likely from losing his job on the top power play. His overall play also suffered at minus-eight, but got better after the Leafs traded for Brandon Carlo. Led the team in total ice time (1,753 minutes, 52 seconds), 32nd in the NHL.
Storylines: Needs a good start or he could be an easy target for the boo-birds now that Marner is gone. He’s the longest-serving Leaf, ninth on the franchise list in games played (873) and should pass Tomáš Kaberle (878) in no time. Also 15th in points (513).
X-factor: Returning to the top power-play unit brings his mojo back.
Vitals: 31 years old, 6-foot-1, 212 pounds.
Contract: First season of a five-year, $22.57-million deal. Cap hit: $4.51 million. No-trade clause this year and next.
Last year: Just two goals and 21 assists, but earned warrior status alongside Chris Tanev in a shutdown role.
Storylines: He’s a no-nonsense player.
X-factor: Plays with an edge and still avoids penalties.
Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev is remarkably durable given the way he sacrifices the body.
Steve Russell Toronto Star
Vitals: 35 years old, 6-foot-2, 193 pounds.
Contract: Second season of a six-year, $27-million deal. Cap hit: $4.5 million. Full no-movement clause.
Last year: Sure, he only recorded three goals and 15 assists, but he’s a fan favourite for his self sacrifice. Led the team in blocked shots, sixth in the NHL, with 189.
Storylines: A season like the last one would be just fine.
X-factor: Remarkably durable given the way he sacrifices the body.
Vitals: 34 years old, 6-foot-2, 192 pounds.
Contract: Second season of a four-year, $14-million deal. Cap hit: $3.5 million with 16-team no-trade list.
Last year: Four goals and 25 assists. Has added snarl to his game as he’s gotten older.
Storylines: Believes he has more to offer and would relish more power-play time, but won’t rock the boat.
X-factor: His size and range are not to be underestimated.
Vitals: 28 years old, 6-foot-5, 220 pounds.
Contract: Fifth season of a six-year, $24.6-million deal. Cap hit: $3.485 million, thanks to Bruins retaining 15 per cent. Eight-team no-trade list.
Last year: Played 83 regular-season games with Toronto and Boston. No goals, three assists in 20 games as a Leaf (one goal, eight assists in 63 games as a Bruin). His arrival seemed to benefit Rielly the most.
Storylines: The lanky, rangy, defensive-minded blueliner is in his prime and seemed to fit in seamlessly.
X-factor: The Morgan Rielly whisperer.
Vitals: 27 years old, 6-foot-4, 211 pounds.
Contract: Second season of a three-year, $4.05-million deal. Cap hit: $1.35 million.
Last year: One goal, nine assists in 78 games. Led the team with 204 hits. Another fan favourite for his Superman fight move. His game really took off in the playoffs.
Storylines: Injury to start camp may have an effect. He’s progressing well for a defensive defenceman.
X-factor: His raw energy is contagious.
Vitals: 28 years old, 6-foot-5, 219 pounds.
Contract: First season of a two-year, $1.7-million deal. Cap hit: $850,000.
Last year: Two goals and three assists in 36 games.
Storylines: Fits well as a seventh defenceman. He could play every game elsewhere. Survived waivers last year, probably wouldn’t this year.
X-factor: Still has something to prove.
Vitals: 24 years old, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds.
Contract: First season of a two-year, $1.7-million deal. Cap hit: $850,000.
Last year: Two goals and 10 assists in 60 games in San Jose.
Storylines: As surprised as anyone to be included in the Ryan Reaves trade. He’s in a fight to remain in the NHL, has a future at 24.
X-factor: A good skater with great vision.
Goalies
Vitals: 27 years old, 6-foot-3, 206 pounds.
Contract: First season of a three-year, $11-million extension. Cap hit: $3.67 million.
Last year: Was hurt to start the season, but set career highs in games (42) and wins (27). Took over midway through the season when Anthony Stolarz was hurt. Played well in the second round of the playoffs, again when Stolarz was hurt.
Storylines: Unsure how a personal leave of absence granted in training camp will affect him.
X-factor: Able to shake off bad outings.
Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll set personal bests in games (42) and wins (27) last season.
Richard Lautens Toronto Star
Vitals: 31 years old, 6-foot-6, 243 pounds.
Contract: Final season of a two-year, $5-million deal before four-year, $15-million extension kicks in. Cap hit: $2.5 million.
Last year: Set career highs with 34 games and 21 wins. Injuries hurt his reputation, but his .926 save percentage was best in the league.
Storylines: He’s the 1A to Woll’s 1B. Has a chance for Vezina conversation if he stays healthy.
X-factor: Nice guy. Stops pucks.
Vitals: 26 years old, 6-foot-3, 203 pounds.
Contract: One-year deal. Cap hit: $775,000. An unrestricted free agent July 1.
Last year: A 2-3-1 record and 4.76 goals-against average last year in Montreal might raise a few eyebrows, but he was solid in AHL Laval.
Storylines: Goaltending depth became a question the moment Joseph Woll took a personal leave of absence. Is Primeau a backup? The third goalie?
X-factor: Can he turn around his career?
Vitals: 24 years old, 6-foot-7, 224 pounds.
Contract: First season of a three-year, $2.53-million deal. Cap hit: $842,000.
Last year: Saw first NHL game action, good and bad. A bit of a deer in headlights. Wound up 3-3-0 with an .878 save percentage. His Marlies record was much better: 16-9-4, .908.
Storylines: Has been sent to AHL Marlies as he doesn’t require waivers. Can be recalled for a game or two whenever the Leafs need him. He should get more games than last year.
X-factor: Big is big. He’s big.
Top Marlies options
G Dennis Hildeby, G Artur Akhtyamov, F Easton Cowan, F Michael Pezzetta, C Luke Haymes, D Dakota Mermis, D Matt Benning.