Like the Bruins, which have a core that includes right winger David Pastrnak, defenseman Charlie McAvoy and goalie Jeremy Swayman, the Leafs will be returning with a core that includes — for now, at least — Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares. They also have Matthew Knies, who didn’t take the step forward that many anticipated, as well as defenseman Chris Tanev, who missed 71 games because of a slew of injuries.
