Overview
- The Leafs close October at 5-5-1, tied near the bottom of the Atlantic Division after a home‑heavy opening month.
- Coach Craig Berube blasted a blowout performance, saying the team complicated plays and looked “disconnected” through the neutral zone.
- Captain Auston Matthews has five goals in 11 games, and an Athletic insider suggested he may not be fully healthy as the loss of Mitch Marner disrupts top‑line chemistry.
- Injuries have mounted, with reports of six players sidelined including William Nylander and Chris Tanev, prompting line shuffles that saw Nicholas Robertson earn a top‑line look and post a goal and an assist.
- Offseason additions have yielded mixed results, while bright spots include strong Octobers from William Nylander, John Tavares and Matthew Knies.