Toronto Maple Leafs Aim to Reclaim Playoff Spot Next Season

Toronto Maple Leafs need a 90‑point surge to turn a 32‑36 record and a seven‑game losing streak into a playoff berth next season. The team sits 15th in the Eastern Conference and faces Montreal Canadiens on 2026‑09‑19, a matchup that could signal a turning point.

Can Auston Matthews Rediscover MVP Form?

Auston Matthews, the league’s former Hart Trophy winner, must return to his 2022‑23 dominance. After two uneven seasons and knee surgery, his goal‑per‑60‑minute rate fell to 22nd, and his mid‑range wrist‑shot success dropped from 19% to 12%. If he can recapture that lethal shot—he logged a league‑best 23 mid‑range goals in 2024—Matthews could push the Leafs past the 99‑point threshold that secured the last Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Will New Coaching and Roster Moves Lighten the Load?

Head coach Jim Hiller promises to feature Matthews more on the power play after a career‑low five power‑play goals in 60 games. General manager John Chayka has targeted defensively responsible centres, hoping to free Matthews from heavy back‑checking duties. If the Leafs can add a reliable two‑way centre, the top line’s offensive output should rise while the penalty kill steadies.

How Important Is Defensive Stability?

Toronto’s defensive woes contributed to a 78‑point season, far below the 99 points needed for a postseason run. Acquiring a stay‑at‑home defenseman who can log minutes against the league’s top lines could lower goals‑against and give goaltender a stronger shield. Improved defensive zone coverage also means fewer odd‑man rushes, allowing the power play to stay on the ice longer.

What Does the Upcoming Schedule Reveal?

The Leafs’ next test against the Montreal Canadiens on 2026‑09‑19 offers a chance to break the L7 skid. A win would not only add two points but also provide momentum before a stretch of games against Eastern rivals. Success in that contest could prove the new systems are clicking and that Matthews’ shot is back in form.

What’s the Playoff Outlook?

Analysts project a wide range of outcomes: a low‑end 90‑point season still leaves the Leafs on the bubble, while a 100‑point push guarantees a spot. The difference hinges on Matthews’ scoring, defensive upgrades, and Hiller’s ability to adapt strategies quickly. If all pieces click, Toronto could finish well above its current 15th‑place standing and re‑enter the postseason conversation.