In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll look at the team’s new-look defense and speculate about how it’s improved over last season’s blue line in at least one aspect – moving the puck up the ice. Second, I’ll look back 80 seasons to one of the most surprising (and perhaps least known) performances for any Maple Leafs goalie. That goalie was Frank McCool, who played only two seasons with the Maple Leafs but who led them to the 1945 Stanley Cup.
Finally, I’ll take a bit of a deep dive into Fraser Minten’s 2023-24 season to share why Maple Leafs fans should want to see this young player as part of the team’s roster for next season. While he might never be a high-scoring forward, he has many attributes that would make him a valuable addition to the team’s roster for seasons
Item 1: Will Maple Leafs’ Blue Line Play Differently Under Berube?
Craig Berube’s Maple Leafs will look much different next season in terms of personnel and playstyle than in recent years. Brad Treliving revamped the team’s blueline this summer by bringing in veteran defenders Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars and Oliver Ekman Larsson from the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Both players figure to have a big impact on the team this season.
These changes on the blueline could significantly affect how the team plays overall, especially with a new head coach. Previous head coach, Sheldon Keefe, emphasized a more conservative defensive structure. He desired to limit turnovers by avoiding pressure and making safer plays. While this approach reduced mistakes, it also gave the opposing team more time to set up defensively.
Under Berube, this strategy could change. The additions of Tanev and Ekman-Larsson provide the team with better options for breaking the puck out of their zone and getting it up ice quickly. Tanev’s steady defensive presence will likely allow players like Morgan Rielly to be more aggressive offensively, while Ekman-Larsson’s puck-moving skills will enhance the team’s transition game.
Item 2: Remembering Frank McCool, Toronto Maple Leafs (1944-45)
McCool’s hockey journey was anything but ordinary. Born in Calgary, Alberta, McCool’s early years in hockey saw him playing at various low-level leagues, including the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with current basketball powerhouse Gonzaga University. His path took a significant turn when he joined the Canadian military during World War II, temporarily putting any hockey aspirations on hold.
After returning from the military in 1944–45, McCool signed a free-agent contract with the Maple Leafs. He quickly became the Maple Leafs’ top goaltender, leading them through the season and to the Stanley Cup. McCool played 50 games that season, logging 3,000 minutes and posting a 3.22 goals-against average with four shutouts, achieving a 24-22-4 record in the regular season.
The 1945 postseason was particularly memorable. Fresh off his military stint, McCool recorded an NHL rookie playoff-record four shutouts, putting up an 8-5-0 record with a 2.23 goals-against average. His stellar performance was key in helping Toronto secure the 1945 Stanley Cup. During the Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings, McCool posted shutouts in the first three games. Although the Red Wings managed to tie the series with three consecutive wins, McCool remained steadfast. In a tense Game 7, he stood tall,