As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for the 2024-25 season, some players may face increased pressure and scrutiny, making them potential candidates for disappointment. Here are three players who could underperform:
1. **William Nylander**
Nylander’s contract situation and high expectations could weigh on him. With his contract expiring in 2024, the pressure to deliver big performances for both the Leafs and as a potential UFA may lead to inconsistency. While he’s shown elite offensive skill, his defensive lapses and occasional lack of engagement could become more noticeable if he’s unable to maintain his level of play.
2. **John Tavares**
Tavares is entering the latter stages of his career, and while he’s still a capable top-six forward, his decline in speed and overall production is becoming more apparent. As a high-priced player, if his offensive output starts to drop or his defensive shortcomings become more evident, fans and management may grow frustrated with his diminishing returns relative to his salary.
3. **Matt Murray**
Goaltending has been a major question mark for the Leafs, and Matt Murray, with his injury history and inconsistent play, could disappoint if he struggles to stay healthy or fails to live up to his potential. The pressure to provide reliable netminding in a high-stakes environment could be too much, leading to a shaky season for the veteran goalie.
