Auston Matthews Leads Leafs’ Top-10 Center Core for 2026-27

Auston Matthews spearheads the Toronto Maple Leafs’ center core ranked fourth-best in the NHL for 2026-27. The group posted a combined 5.04 wins above replacement last season.

How the Leafs’ center core stacks up

The Maple Leafs’ top four centers combine for a 5.04 WAR, landing them eighth overall in *The Hockey Writers’* ranking of NHL center cores. Auston Matthews leads the unit, with John Tavares providing elite second-line production. Teddy Blueger and Colton Sissons fill out the depth chart, though their contributions lag behind the top trio.

What the numbers say

Matthews’ presence alone pushes the Leafs’ center group into the top 10. The 29-year-old remains the franchise cornerstone, though injuries have limited his output in recent years. Tavares, now 37, still ranks among the league’s best two-way centers. Blueger and Sissons combined for just 3.2 WAR last season, leaving room for improvement in the bottom six.

Why Matthews’ health matters most

The Leafs’ ranking hinges on Matthews’ ability to stay healthy. If he rebounds from injury-plagued campaigns, Toronto’s center core could climb higher. For now, the group’s ceiling is capped by the depth behind their star center. The Leafs’ fourth-place finish reflects that uncertainty.

Where the Leafs rank among rivals

The Maple Leafs sit behind the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, and New Jersey Devils in center-core rankings. The Oilers’ trio of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Jason Dickinson tops the list with a 10.12 WAR. The Avalanche and Devils round out the top three, each boasting elite center depth.

What’s next for Toronto’s centers

The Leafs need Blueger or Sissons to step up if they hope to climb this list. Tavares’ age also looms large, though his leadership and production remain steady. Matthews’ recovery will dictate whether Toronto’s center core stays in the top 10 or drops further next season.