Toronto Maple Leafs fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season.

Auston Matthews, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 10

Reason for optimism: Matthews ranks fourth in the NHL in goals (100) the past two seasons combined, second in even-strength goals (71), seventh in points (191 in 147 games) and second in shots on goal (675). Even after the departure of frequent linemate Michael Bunting (signed with Carolina Hurricanes), Matthews has an array of strong left wing options, including offseason additions Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi as well as rookie Matthew Knies and should be taken in the first round of all fantasy drafts.

NHL.com point projection: 110

Mitchell Marner, RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 17

Reason for optimism: Marner set an NHL career high in points (99) last season, his third season with at least 94. Marner also had his best totals in assists (69) and power-play points (36) on a line with mostly center John Tavares and now is being reunited with Domi, Marner's former linemate with London of the Ontario Hockey League.

NHL.com point projection: 105

William Nylander, RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 29

Reason for optimism: Nylander was tied with Matthews for Toronto's lead in goals with an NHL career-high 40 last season and also had his highest point (87) and shots on goal (293) totals. It's worth noting Nylander, a two-time 80-point producer, is entering the final season of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2023-24 season.

NHL.com point projection: 90

John Tavares, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 42

Reason for optimism: Tavares is coming off his fifth season with at least 80 points and led the Maple Leafs with an NHL career-high 39 power-play points playing on the first unit with Matthews, Marner, Nylander and defenseman Morgan Rielly. Tavares scored the overtime goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the first round to help the Maple Leafs win their first Stanley Cup Playoff series since 2004.

NHL.com point projection: 85

Tyler Bertuzzi, LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 100

Reason for optimism: Bertuzzi, who signed a one-year contract with Toronto on July 2, was a bright spot for the Boston Bruins during the playoffs with 10 points (five goals, five assists) in seven games after being acquired prior to the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. Bertuzzi is likely to have two elite linemates in Matthews or Tavares at center and Marner or Nylander on the wing and surpass his previous NHL high in points (62 in 68 games with Detroit Red Wings in 2021-22).

NHL.com point projection: 73

Ilya Samsonov, G

NHL.com fantasy rank: 118

Reason for optimism: Samsonov was tied for 11th in the NHL in wins (career-high 27) last season, tied for fifth in shutouts (four) and tied for fourth in save percentage (.919; minimum 40 games). Samsonov should be the clear starter this season with Martin Jones as the backup and Matt Murray on long-term injured reserve. Samsonov has full-fledged fantasy breakout potential and the ceiling of helping the Maple Leafs contend for the Presidents' Trophy.

NHL.com win projection: 34

Other TOR players to consider in fantasy: Morgan Rielly, D; John Klingberg, D; Matthew Knies, LW; Max Domi, C