As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the 2024-25 season, it’s clear that the team is undergoing a significant transition. The most noticeable shift is in the leadership dynamics, with long-standing captain John Tavares entering the final year of his contract. While Tavares will likely retain his captaincy until his contract expires, an undercurrent of change suggests he should be viewed as a transitional leader.
It seems a foregone conclusion that Auston Matthews will be the team’s formal captain next season. The organization appears to be quietly preparing for a new era of leadership once Tavares’ tenure concludes, setting the stage for a pivotal season ahead.
This transition is further underscored by the absence of a single aging veteran on a team-friendly contract—players who have provided invaluable leadership and stability in recent years. Since the 2019-20 season, the Maple Leafs have benefited from the presence of seasoned veterans like Jason Spezza, Joe Thornton, Wayne Simmonds, and Mark Giordano. These players, who joined the team in the final stages of their careers, brought a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that helped shape the team’s culture.
Appreciating the Maple Leafs’ Veteran Influence
These four veterans – each of whom might one day be named to the Hockey Hall of Fame – contributed uniquely to the Maple Leafs on and off the ice. Spezza, who played with the Maple Leafs from 2019 to 2022, was a steadying presence known for his skill, hockey IQ, and mentorship of younger players. Spezza’s wisdom and leadership were invaluable, and his transition into a management role after retirement further demonstrated his deep connection to the team.
Thornton, who joined the Leafs for the 2020-21 season, brought a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game. While his primary goal was to win a Stanley Cup, Thornton’s impact extended beyond his on-ice contributions. He embraced a mentorship role, sharing his vast knowledge with younger players and helping guide them through the challenges of the NHL. If you looked up the term level-headed in the dictionary, his picture would have been by it.
Simmonds, who played with the Leafs from 2021 to 2023, brought grit and toughness to the team. Known for his power-forward style, Simmonds provided leadership and physicality that helped protect his teammates and contributed to the team’s identity. His presence in the locker room fostered camaraderie and team spirit, qualities beyond what statistics could measure.
Giordano, who joined the team in 2022 at the trade deadline, brought stability and experience to the blue line. Even as he neared the end of his career, Giordano remained a reliable defender and a mentor to the team’s younger defensemen. His work ethic and leadership set a standard for the entire team, shaping the future of the team’s defense. He made those who played with him better.
Beginning a New Chapter for the Maple Leafs
As the Maple Leafs head into the upcoming season, there’s a notable absence of veteran players on the roster. Tavares is who he is; the Maple Leafs are better for it. While Ryan Reaves is older and brings unique qualities, he’s in Toronto for different reasons. Chris Tanev, though older, serves a distinct purpose—to stop goals. He’s still in his blueliner prime. What’s missing is that seasoned veteran signed at the league minimum and brought in primarily for their leadership and experience.
This absence marks a new chapter for the Maple Leafs, where the younger core—players like Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly—will be asked to step up in new ways. These players, now in their mid-to-late 20s, are no longer the up-and-coming stars but the established leaders of the team. As the Maple Leafs engage in this transition, the onus will be on this younger core to guide the team through the inevitable challenges of a long season.
The Changing of the Maple Leafs Guard Is Upon Us
With the changing of the guard, the Maple Leafs are entering uncharted territory. Without the calming influence of a veteran in the locker room, the team will need to rely on the maturity and experience of this new guard. The question remains: will the team be the same without the veteran presence that has anchored them in recent years?
As the new season unfolds, only time will tell if the Maple Leafs can maintain their culture and ethos without a veteran anchor. The evolution of their leadership will be a subtle yet pivotal storyline throughout the season, and how well the younger leaders step into their roles could determine the team’s success.
Ultimately, the 2024-25 season will be a defining one for the Maple Leafs—a year where the younger generation must prove they are ready to carry the torch forward. The absence of veteran leaders who have shaped the team’s identity in recent years creates a challenge and an opportunity for this new core.
How the team responds will be crucial in determining whether this season marks the beginning of a new era of success for the Maple Leafs.
