The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for the NHL regular season, starting as the heaviest team in the league. Their performance statistics have been highlighted in the NHL’s annual ‘By The Numbers’ report, which provides insights into team metrics such as weight, height, and age.
Maple Leafs’ Heft and Aging Experience
Ranked as the heaviest team, the Maple Leafs average 210 pounds. They surpass the Boston Bruins by two pounds, who hold the second position with an average of 208 pounds. This weight advantage may offer Toronto a strategic edge during matches.
Key Team Statistics
- Average Weight: 210 pounds
- Next Heaviest Team: Boston Bruins at 208 pounds
- Team Age: 29.4 years old (5th in the NHL)
- Average Height: 6-foot-2 (tied for the tallest)
The team’s average age places them among the oldest in the NHL, trailing only the Los Angeles Kings, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Winnipeg Jets. Aside from their age, the Maple Leafs share height statistics with 21 other teams, all measuring 6-foot-2.
Key Player Insights
This offseason, the Maple Leafs acquired Dakota Joshua, who weighs in at 218 pounds. He ranks third on the team behind Steven Lorentz at 219 pounds and Matthew Knies at 232 pounds. Joshua suggests that their physicality can tire opponents over a game duration, emphasizing the importance of leveraging their weight advantage effectively.
Joshua stated, “If everyone’s playing to their capability, we should wear teams down… and grind the other teams down in a full 60-minute game.”
Looking Ahead
As the Maple Leafs prepare for their home opener against the Montreal Canadiens, injuries and lineup decisions are under scrutiny. Notably, Easton Cowan will not appear in the lineup despite participating in the team’s morning skate. This decision highlights the coaching strategies as the team aims to maximize their lineup’s strengths.
Overall, the Maple Leafs are poised to utilize their physical characteristics to their advantage this season. With their updated statistics, they aim to play a competitive game, leveraging both experience and weight against their opponents.
