3 Leafs players off to slow starts that could turn their season around in December
As the calendar flips to December, the storylines surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs are often centred around frustration and disappointment, stemming from their 12-11-3 record.
Injuries, and players not playing up to their expected standard have played roles in fan dissatisfaction, but with a tight Eastern Conference, and 13 more games through December, the season isn’t lost.
After defeating the Florida Panthers 4-1 on Tuesday, the Leafs sit three points back of the Detroit Red Wings for third spot in the Atlantic Division with a game in hand. The route back into the playoffs is there for a Leafs team that has found their way into the playoffs for nine straight seasons. It starts with the players, especially those who have faltered out of the gates in 2025-26.
Here are three Leafs that could turn the season around with a strong December:
Max Domi
The wake-up call may have been received by Max Domi, who was healthy scratched by head coach Craig Berube for the first time in his Leafs tenure during Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals. Domi has struggled through the majority of the season’s opening two months, sitting at a team worst -12. Domi has produced three goals and eight points through 24 games, on pace to post his worst offensive season since 2020-21, when he recorded only 24 points.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Berube discussed what he needed to see from Domi when he returns to the lineup.
“It’s just getting engaged more in the game. Like, he’s got to get dirty down low in the offensive zone, win battles and get more engaged that way, when he’s skating and moving he is an effective player,” Berube said. “But it’s too inconsistent.”
The scratching may just have been what the 30-year-old needed, as he responded the next night with a two-point game, just his second multi-point game this year.
Domi was skating alongside Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews during Tuesday’s game, a spot that has been a revolving door as Berube looks for what works best when putting together his top line. If Domi can play like he did on Saturday, he could help get this team going.
Matias Maccelli
Acquired from the Utah Mammoth on June 30 for a 2027 conditional third-round pick, the hope was that the 25-year-old could return to the form he showed from 2022-23 and 2023-24, while playing with Clayton Keller in Arizona. Over those two seasons, Maccelli posted 106 points, showcasing the playmaking ability that was in his game, making him a prime candidate to play alongside Matthews, with the goal of setting him up regularly.
Maccelii was a perfect change-of-scenery candidate that fell out of favour in Utah, when he posted only 18 points across 55 games during the 2024-25 campaign. This season has been closer to last year’s disappointing campaign, as Maccelli has been scratched in three games this season.
Berube offered a candid assessment of Maccelli’s contributions on November 4.
“This guy is capable of doing more than he is doing. That’s the goal we’re trying to get to,” Berube said.
The first time Maccelli was scratched, he responded with a two-point game the next time he dressed. Maccelli has being scratched in three of the past four games. It’s time for the former 57-point player to find his playmaking ability that the Leafs sought after.
Nicolas Roy
Acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Mitch Marner trade, Roy has struggled to find his footing in his new home. In 22 games with the Leafs, Roy has posted two goals and five assists, which is off the pace of the 30-40 point range he was in during the past four seasons.
The 28-year-old missed three games after suffering an upper-body injury on November 15 against the Chicago Blackhawks. Since returning from injury, the 6-foot-4 centre has looked more like the player that he was in Vegas, posting three points over three games. Roy was outstanding during Tuesday’s win over the Panthers, winning 12-of-15 faceoffs, while forming a real partnership on the third line with Dakota Joshua and Bobby McMann.
Speaking to the media prior to Roy’s first game back on Nov. 26, in Columbus, Berube spoke highly of his off-season acquisition.
“He is good in the middle of the ice, taking pucks and getting through the neutral zone and brings defensive responsibility and penalty killing ability,” Berube said.
If Roy can continue to get more comfortable with his new team, this is a player that brings 79 games worth of playoff experience and Stanley Cup pedigree to a team that is looking to climb its way out of an early-season hole.