Anticipation for the NHL Season
The anticipation for the start of the NHL season is building, with the Toronto Maple Leafs yet to hit the ice for their first regular-season game. However, an intriguing piece of information has emerged: they are currently the heaviest team in the league. As the new season kicks off, the NHL has published its annual statistics revealing details like player age, height, and average weight across all 32 teams.
Team Statistics
Among these stats, the Maple Leafs are positioned as one of the oldest teams in the league, with an average player age of 29.4 years, placing them fifth overall. This age factor sees them trailing only the Los Angeles Kings, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Winnipeg Jets, who range from 29.7 to 29.8 years.
In terms of height, the Maple Leafs join a league-wide group of 21 teams boasting an average height of 6 feet 2 inches. Conversely, 11 other teams, including the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, have an average height of 6 feet 1 inch.
Physicality and Tactical Advantage
Adding to the Maple Leafs’ physicality, they are notably heavier than the second-place Boston Bruins by two pounds, with their average weight clocking in at 210 pounds. Recent acquisition Dakota Joshua, who weighs in at 218 pounds, ranks third in heft on the squad, following Steven Lorentz at 219 pounds and Matthew Knies, who leads at an impressive 232 pounds.
“If everyone’s playing to their capability, we should wear teams down and grind the other teams down in a full 60-minute game.” – Dakota Joshua
Upcoming Games and Team News
Meanwhile, in other team news, Easton Cowan, who participated in the team’s morning skate, will be absent from the lineup during their highly anticipated home opener against rivals the Montreal Canadiens. This decision adds to the ongoing excitement as the Maple Leafs prepare to begin their quest for success in the new season.
Reflection on Last Season
Reflecting back on last season, the Maple Leafs claimed the title of the heaviest team by averaging 207 pounds, showing an overall increase of three pounds in their roster’s weight during the offseason. Last year, they also shared the distinction of being one of the oldest teams with an average age of 28.8 and were tied for height at 6 feet 2 inches.
