The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ month of October in 2025-26 has gone the exact same way the month of October has gone every year for the past half-decade. That hasn’t made things any easier to watch, but it’s worth a reminder before allow too many ‘this is the year they fall off’ takes to hit the floor.

Sitting at 5-5-1 in the Atlantic Division, which is good for a three-way tie for last with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres, there are certainly lots of areas the Leafs would like to improve in, and fast. Rush defence has been a big issue so far, they haven’t gotten great results from their goaltenders, and the top players are carrying just a little too much of the weight offensively. That said, the Leafs have done enough positive to warrant three players getting some kudos for their performance in the first month of the season.

Leafs fans couldn’t have asked for a better start to Knies’ first season after signing a six-year contract extension worth just under $8 million annually. Teams have shown a tendency to commit to their young stars earlier than they might have in the past, and Knies is another example of why it’s proven to be a smart investment.

The 6-foot-3, 232-pound power forward improved in his sophomore season last year and is currently on pace to shatter his career high in points last season (58) with 14 in his first ten games this season. Obviously, point totals aren’t decided in the month of October, but if the Leafs can develop a physical net-front forward capable of producing at a point-per-game, they’ll be feeling really good about his deal over the next six years.

Speaking of the Leafs getting impressive value in the early stages of a new contract, how about John Tavares? For somebody who easily could have gotten something in the ballpark of $6 million or more in free agency and ended up re-upping at just over $4 million a year, Tavares is showing that the hometown discount is still a real thing.

Tavares, so far, doesn’t look like he’s missed a beat in the first season under his new contract. I don’t know if removing the ‘A’ from his jersey has allowed him to focus further on his production or what, but 14 points in 11 games is some excellent output for the money he’s making so far.

Remember after the first few games of the season when people were talking about Nylander’s ‘slow’ start? You know, when he put up seven points in his first four games of the season? It seems like every time somebody criticizes Nylander, he responds with a multi-point performance. Nylander has missed a couple of games here and there due to injury, and despite certain games this year where he hasn’t looked like himself, here he is with 15 points in nine games to lead the team in scoring.

Auston Matthews’ slow start to the season has made Nylander’s production so far that much more valuable. Even though he’d probably like to have more than three goals right now (considering he’s fresh off three straight 40 goal seasons) he’s done everything asked of him and then some. The Leafs have had to manage an injury of his over the past few games, but when healthy, he appears poised to skate alongside Matthews on the top line, which could get the latter’s game going too.

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code LEAFSNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)