Craig Button highlights Maple Leafs changes after playoff opener

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 22, 2025, 01:44 IST

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Craig Button complimented the Maple Leafs' off-season acquisitions costing $19.775 million for assisting them in winning Game 1. Players such as Bertuzzi, Domi, and Samsonov provided strength, depth, and confidence to the team. Through astute moves and teamwork, Toronto seemed like a true playoff contender. Fans now have faith that this might be their year.

Craig Button highlights Maple Leafs changes after playoff opener

Image Source: Getty Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs began the 2025 NHL Playoffs with great energy. They took Game 1, and much of that victory was brought about through the players that the team signed preseason. These signings were roughly $19.775 million, but they contributed energy, ability, and strength to the ice. NHL insider Craig Button complimented the team on making the proper decisions. Let’s examine how these new players helped the Leafs take the lead in their playoff series.

Craig Button praises Toronto for smart team building

Toronto added players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, and Ilya Samsonov before the season began. These players weren’t just added for the show, they were picked for their grit and playoff mindset. And in Game 1, they proved their value.

Tyler Bertuzzi was physical, Max Domi added pace and toughness, and Samsonov made huge saves in goal. Craig Button stated that these players provided the Leafs with more balance. Rather than depending solely on their stars, the team could now rely on all four lines, strengthening their game.
The impact of these key additions has been immediate, allowing the Leafs to enhance their overall play. This fresh energy has also given the whole roster a new-found confidence, which may give them the push they lacked in past playoff series.

Maple Leafs find balance with fresh signings

What the fans witnessed in Game 1 was a team that gelled. Passes were crisp, the lines moved well together, and the team seemed to be confident. Craig Button described this type of cohesion as coming from intelligent signings and good planning.
The Leafs have historically fallen short in the playoffs. But now, they've brought in players who provide that extra playoff push. These aren't just big names, they're fighters, team players, and game-changers. Toronto's management finally spent money in the right places.
This fresh energy-assisted the Leafs to dominate Game 1 from the opening faceoff to the final buzzer. Craig Button feels that this might be the beginning of a serious playoff push if the team continues with this kind of play.
Also Read: “NHL Wants Toronto To Win”: P. K. Subban Talks About The Penalties In The Ottawa Senators Vs Toronto Maple Leafs Match

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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