5 Takeaways From Maple Leafs’ 6-3 Win Over Avalanche

After what was a long, and busy, offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they wanted to get off to a strong start and prove that the moves they made were going to be enough to push them back into a playoff spot, where they can make another deep postseason run, and finally push for their first Stanley Cup since 1967.

After a tough loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Maple Leafs were hoping to find a way to bounce back against the Colorado Avalanche. Thankfully, for them, they were able to find a way to pick up a 6-3 victory and improve to a 3-2-1 record on the season.

LEAFS WWWIN!!!@LGCanada | #Leafs pic.twitter.com/wTE9Q9gPss

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 11, 2026

In this article, we will take a quick look at five takeaways from their win.

William Nylander Explodes Offensively

William Nylander tied his career high in points in a single game, scoring two goals and adding three assists for five points.

He is up to 11 points through their first six games, putting him at fourth in the NHL at points at the time of this article. On top of that, he notched his 700th career point.

and counting 😎 pic.twitter.com/GlPlSOtjes

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 11, 2026

It has been an impressive start for Nylander, and he earned first star honours after his strong offensive showing.

Gavin McKenna Adds Another Point, Starting to Show Confidence

After going through his first three games without a point, Gavin McKenna has started to showcase some confidence, adding another assist, extending his point streak to three games.

Gavin McDish 🍽️ pic.twitter.com/WAfykivOsQ

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 11, 2026

There was some pushback from fans and pundits about McKenna being dropped in the Maple Leafs’ lineup, but it seems as though him being moved down has helped him a bit, as he seems to finally be getting used to the NHL level.

Nick Blankenburg Scores First Goal of Season

After joining the team on a professional tryout (PTO) and earning a one-year deal, Nick Blankenburg scored his first goal as a member of the Maple Leafs.

First Game.
First Shift.
First Shot.
First as a Bud. pic.twitter.com/eGrdxNbjLE

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 10, 2026

It has been an impressive showing from Blankenburg, to go from a PTO, to earning a contract out of camp, to getting a shot in a game, to getting on the score sheet. As time goes on and they get healthier, Blankenburg is trying to make a case to stay in the every day lineup.

Special Teams Do Well

The Maple Leafs’ power play looked solid, scoring two power play goals in four opportunities. On top of that, they killed off all five penalties.

Having strong units, both power play and penalty kill, will be a key to the Maple Leafs’ success this season. A strong showing in one game is a good sign, and they will be looking to continue in their next matchup against the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday (Oct. 13).

Auston Matthews Has Another Strong Game

Auston Matthews had another strong showing offensively, scoring two goals and adding two assists for four points.

DEFENCE. OFFENCE. 🤤 pic.twitter.com/Xh5mCehvj3

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 11, 2026

He is up to 10 points through his first six games, trailing behind Nylander for the team point lead.

As the 2026-27 season moves along, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.