Ever since January 1st, a new year has meant a new, and more complete, Trevor Moore– and the numbers can attest to that.

2017: 0.22 p/pg (7 points in 31 games)

2018: 0.61 p/pg (19 points in 31 games)

The numbers never lie, but even the ‘ol eye-test can even attest to Moore’s progression.

With each passing game, it’s apparent Moore is gaining more confidence on the ice. He’s carrying the puck for longer than he used to, he’ll win battles along the board, and he’s not afraid to create his own scoring opportunity. Not to mention his continuous consistency in his own zone, where he’s always thrived.

Plain and simple, Moore has evolved into a key cog in the Marlies lineup

So, what’s sparked the offensive outpouring from Moore?

“I think confidence is a big part of it,” Moore said on March 20th. “Sheldon’s been really good with me [with] working me into the system and that helps a lot.”

Keefe’s put Moore in positions to succeed, with the 22-year-old winger slowly evolving into an irreplaceable piece in the team’s top-six. Not to mention the increase in his power play usage, which has been a huge boost for Moore.

“When you have the puck that much, it transfers into all areas of your game,” said Moore after the team’s 5-1 win over Laval on Wednesday, in which he potted a power play marker, his 8th point in his last 9 contests.

Moore’s increase in power play time has also seen him be placed in different spots than his regular placement on the power play–the half-wall.

“He put me [in front of the net] in the last few games, on the power play,” said Moore. It’s just kind of something he seems like he wants me to get in my game and it’s fun. I love playing [in] different areas of the ice and improving.”

If Moore’s in the mood to try out different things and grow his game–he’s in good hands.  Keefe has emphasized the importance of trying out the 22-year-old winger in different areas of the ice, as he thinks it would add some much-needed versatility to his game.

“I think he has the ability to be that guy that can fill in anywhere for [us],” said Keefe. “When your at this level, especially, and your trying to get opportunities beyond this level, the more roles and the more things you can do—power play, penalty kill, different wings—if you can check all those boxes, it helps you.”

Keefe has been one to preach versatility, heavily, when it comes to the development of his younger players. It’s important for all young players to be flexible positionally, but especially for a player like Moore, who plays for a Maple Leafs organization that’s depth chart is log-jammed at the forward position, it’s even more necessary.

But as deep as the Leafs forward group is right now, it’s not like everyone will be around for the long-haul. Once Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander get their new deals, cuts will be had, and the value of cheap bottom-six players will become even more important.

It may not seem like someone like Moore could end up in the Leafs bottom-six given the current state of affairs. But as players like Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen will be eventually off their entry level deals, finding value in players like Moore could be the difference in making the most of the Leafs’ salary cap situation moving forward.