Secondary rating

This area has been a constant sticking point for years, especially in the playoffs. How many times have Leafs fans and analysts discussed the lack of scoring support when Auston Matthews and the Core Four are shut down in the playoffs?

Considering how much attention has been paid to Mitch Marner’s lack of production this season, there is little doubt that the scoring department is a major problem down deep. ChatGPT made a clear statement by saying, “There is a need for more reliable secondary scoring departments, especially from the bottom-six forwards.”

We don’t need to win a Nobel Prize to understand the logic behind it, but somehow the bottom six has been overlooked time and time again. Players like Calle Jarnkrok and Max Domi should provide a solid boost to the bottom six.

But there is still more to do.

ChatGPT added this further interesting insight:

“Players like Nick Robertson could step up, but there are still uncertainties. Integrating younger players like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten could help, but relying solely on them could be risky.”

So two things. First, the AI-powered analysis assumes that Nick Robertson will be back at some point. My guess is that he will change. Perhaps Craig Berube can be the deciding factor in Robertson’s decision to stay. If that’s the case, Robertson deserves to get a look in the top six.

Second, ChatGPT is correct in pointing out that Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten are the key players in that bottom six. Add in Matthew Knies and Roberston, and the Toronto Maple Leafs suddenly have a number of young forwards to support newly crowned captain Auston Matthews.

Overall, I think ChatGPT is on the right track here. The club needs to look at strengthening, especially when it comes to young players, but the right mix of experienced players (e.g. Jarnkrok and Domi) will help the club balance its squad composition overall.