maple leafs

Matthews making bid for MVP, Leafs extend Clifford, Dahlstrom

Mar 9, 2022 • 10:25 am

Be sure to like HockeyBuzz on facebook!

For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter

*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact… button at the top of the page.*******

The Toronto Maple Leafs once again followed a familiar pattern in their 6-4 win over the Seattle Kraken, jumping out to an early lead, taking a nap through the middle of the game, and surrendering the lead before rallying with three unanswered goals to win the second of back-to-back games at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.

Auston Matthews extended his lead in the race for the Rocket Richard with a hat trick, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner also scored, and Jack Campbell made 26 saves in the victory for Toronto.

“Obviously it’s not a position that we like to be in. Especially over the course of the last couple weeks, but we pulled out the two points and just the resiliency and poise of the group to just keep playing even when the momentum switches,… Matthews said after the game. “I think we’d really just like to be more consistent throughout the 60 minutes, especially in that second period. Obviously, some things for us to clean up but I just think the resiliency of the team is to stick with it and continue to play and some good goals.…

Matthews is currently at 43 goals (five in front of Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl), has 36 goals in his last 37 games and is currently on pace to eclipse Rick Vaive’s franchise record for most goals in a season (54) set in 1982, but the club continues to bleed goals and give up offensive chances that will cause them issues when the playoffs role around.

*******

The Leafs announced on Wednesday the signing of veteran winger Kyle Clifford to a two-year, $1.525 million contract extension and Marlies defenseman Carl Dahlström to a one-year, $750,000 two-way contract extension.

The 31-year-old Clifford was re-acquired from St. Louis for future considerations last November after signing with the Blues in 2020. The Ayr, Ont. native has split time between the Leafs and the AHL Marlies, and has two assists in 10 NHL games this season.

Dahlström, 27, has 13 assists in 36 games with the Marlies this season and provides veteran organizational depth and NHL experience after playing 64 games for Winnipeg and Chicago since 2017.

The Clifford signing makes sense based on his experience and low cap hit, giving the Leafs a viable fourth line option or a player that can move comfortably back and forth through waivers between the AHL and NHL because teams would be wary of claiming a veteran with term and a one-way deal.

*******