{"id":2514,"date":"2023-12-09T16:43:28","date_gmt":"2023-12-09T16:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/?p=2514"},"modified":"2023-12-09T16:43:29","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T16:43:29","slug":"maple-leafs-biggest-surprise-noah-gregor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/index.php\/2023\/12\/09\/maple-leafs-biggest-surprise-noah-gregor\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Leafs Biggest Surprise This Season: Noah Gregor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Who would have thought that a depth player who was not qualified by the struggling San Jose Sharks would emerge as a surprise standout for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season? But that’s exactly what Noah Gregor has accomplished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: Beneath The Surface: The Maple Leafs Best Player Is a Surprise<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gregor Has the Speed to Burn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gregor’s journey with the Maple Leafs began with a professional tryout agreement (PTO) in September, and he quickly made an impression during training camp. He’s lived up to his initial expectations of being a solid fourth-line forward since then. However, what attracted the coaching staff’s attention at the time was Gregor’s speed. That helped him earn him a spot on the fourth line alongside David Kampf and Ryan Reaves (at least for now Reaves is on that line).<\/p>\n\n\n

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Noah Gregor, now with the Maple Leafs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The 25-year-old forward’s commitment and work ethic became evident early. After his successful preseason, Gregor agreed to a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs in October. As noted, his speed has helped him become a dynamic energy player, contributing offensively and defensively. Gregor, while not setting the ice on fire with his scoring, can put the puck in the net. For example, in a game against the Vancouver Canucks on November 11, he scored a goal and added an assist. However, that broke a 13-game point drought since Opening Night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: What\u2019s the Latest News About ex-Maple Leafs\u2019 Josh Ho-Sang?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gregor’s Most Important Game of the Season to Date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the defining moments of Gregor’s unexpected impact happened during a 2-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on November 28. Not only did he score his third goal of the season to tie the game, but he also played the hero in the shootout, when his score pushed his team to the win. In that game, his goal came when he stole the puck at the Toronto blue line and scored on a clear breakaway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gregor’s Versatility Is Earning Him More Ice Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gregor’s versatility has become a valuable asset for the Maple Leafs. He’s contributed points, hits, and energy through his 22 games played. Despite playing the season on the fourth line, his consistent performances have added to the team’s success. His determination to make the most of the opportunity presented by the Maple Leafs has turned him into a success story and a key part of the team’s lineup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gregor’s impact for the Maple Leafs extends past his modest point production, with head coach Sheldon Keefe praising the depth forward for his versatility and contributions in limited minutes. While Gregor has accumulated only three goals and four points in 22 games, his role as a checker and energy player has made him a valuable asset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sheldon Keefe on Noah Gregor's play at the bottom of the lineup: "I go into each game now thinking about how I can get him more involved."

The coach on Liljegren's progress toward a return, the play of the 3rd line, Bertuzzi's recent form + more ???? https:\/\/t.co\/T47XbqnJBN<\/a><\/p>— Maple Leafs Hotstove (@LeafsNews) December 3, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>