Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Forward Pt. 1 – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

After a very disappointing 2025-26 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, their attention has turned to off-season activities. First on their list is finding a general manager (GM) and possibly President of Hockey Operations. After that is done, they need to determine the future of Auston Matthews and William Nylander. There are many questions that will need to be answered in the summer that could significantly change the outlook of this team.

But, before we worry about that, let’s take a look at the first part of the Maple Leafs’ final athletic report card.

Auston Matthews: B-

First, the captain. Matthews’ 2025-26 season was a long way from him. He faced injuries, which hindered his performance with the team. In just 60 games, he has 27 goals and 26 assists. Unfortunately, his season ended with a serious knee injury after being hit in the knee by Radko Gudas of the Anaheim Ducks. That hit obviously drew a lot of attention because of the lack of response from other Maple Leafs players on the ice.

However, last season was one of change for Matthews. It was his first season without Mitch Marner, who took some time to find chemistry with his new teammates. If he is a member of the Maple Leafs when the puck drops in the 2026-27 season, the hope is that he and his teammates have the chemistry needed to produce the 50-goal version of Matthews and not the 25-30 goal version.

William Nylander: A-

Next up, the Maple Leafs’ 2025-26 MVP. Nylander is the type of player that no matter how the season goes, he will show up and give his best effort. That was the case this past season; no matter how the team was doing, he would do anything to try and get a goal. He led the team in points with 30 goals and 49 assists for 79 points in 65 games. That’s his eighth 20+ goal season and his sixth 30-goal season.

Like Matthews, he has struggled with injuries. He managed to get into only 65 games; however, if he had played all 82, he would have been in the middle of the 100-point range. Still, 79 points in 65 games is pretty good, considering how the season has gone for the Maple Leafs.

John Tavares: A-

John Tavares is the only player to have played in all 82 games for the Maple Leafs this past season. Of course, the 35-year-old has been a solid player and has been featured in all of the team’s games. That being said, he is the only other forward on this list to get an A. In the 2025-26 season, Tavares had 31 goals and 40 points in 71 games. That’s his eighth 30-goal season of his career and his 70+ point season, which is incredible.

There are many people who have counted Tavares out; they did it in the sixth year of his eight-year contract and after he signed his latest extension. However, despite the hate, he has shown that he can be a reliable forward for the Maple Leafs. If Nylander and Matthews can stay healthy and reach 100 points, having Tavares as the third leading scorer with 71 points would be great. Unfortunately that didn’t happen, he ended up finishing second behind Nylander (79) in a season he was supposed to forget.

Matthew Knies: B+

After last season, there were high expectations for Matthew Knies. He had 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points in 78 games. Almost everyone within Leafs Nation was hoping he would continue his progress. And, although his season was highlighted by injuries, he put his new career on the line. In fact, he was just 15 assists shy of matching his career-high in points. He had 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points.

As mentioned, Knies’ 2025-26 season felt like it was dominated by injuries despite only missing three games. He was a hero and showed how tough he is. He struggled to stay fit before the Winter Olympic break. After that, he seemed to feel better, but for large parts of the season, he wasn’t completely healthy. Although he set a new career high in points, if he had been able to play at full capacity, who knows how many points he would have had.

Easton Cowan: B

Onward young, Easton Cowan. In his rookie season, he did not disappoint. At times, he looked like a rookie; one highlight would be the overtime goal against the Detroit Red Wings. He circled back to the neutral zone and was beaten by Moritz Seider, which led to a goal. He had to overcome times when he was flying, and unfortunately, there were cables that he lost in the press box. He said that if he shows that he can play with the best players in the team, he will get a chance.

He finished the season with 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in 66 games. It was a time of learning, in a season where the team did not enter the playoffs, so his role increased. The hope is that, next season, he can be an important member of the top six and help them get back into the play-offs.