Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Conor Timmins has made the most of his opportunity since Craig Berube took over as head coach.
Entering the season as a potential waiver candidate whose future with the team felt uncertain, Timmins has been one of the biggest pleasant surprises with strong play that has kept in him the lineup more often than not. It was enough to make Timothy Liljegren lose a spot and he was subsequently traded to the San Jose Sharks over a week ago.
Timmins was able to find the back of the net in Saturday’s win over the Montreal Canadiens, which was his first goal of the year and his first goal since December 12, 2023 against the New York Rangers. He even won the team belt after the game as a reward for his efforts.
“It was great. Haven’t got one in a while, so to see it go in was a good feeling,” Timmins said to reporters. “Benny (Simon Benoit) made a good play at the line. There was some space for me, fanned on the puck, and then instincts took over. Just tried to get the puck on net and it went in.”
Not only has Timmins been a mainstay in the lineup through the first month of the regular season, but he’s also been used more regularly in all situations. He has taken noticeable strides in his defensive game while making more confident plays with the puck which has made him effective in his role as a third pairing defenceman.
Timmins has enjoyed being in an everyday role for the first time in a while but is trying to stay present in the moment and doing what he can to help his team continue their positive momentum.
“My simplicity, making the play when it’s there and not forcing things. Also defending: taking a step there, being a little stronger on my defending, that’s really helpful,” Timmins said when asked about playing in Berube’s system. “It’s been very beneficial to me. I think we’ve been defending as a five-man unit and it makes it easier on everyone so it’s helpful.”
Considering where things stood for Timmins going into the season, not many could have anticipated him becoming a regular in the lineup by this point in the regular season. But given all that he has been through since turning pro, seeing the fruits of his labour pay off in a big way must no doubt feel good for the 26-year-old.
“He’s been highly competitive for one thing with his defensive play, that’s key,” Berube said on what he has seen out of Timmins to entrust him with a spot in the lineup. “Makes plays his puck, he sees the ice really well. On breakouts, he hits the middle of the ice quite a bit. Tonight he used his shot and scored, but he’s got a good shot. Overall, I think his competitiveness is what really stands out to me.”
Jani Hakanpaa is getting closer to a return as he continues his conditioning stint with the Toronto Marlies, which will put the Leafs in a conundrum for their lineup construction and how to get out of the roster logjam. There will no doubt have to be players moved off either via waivers or trade to ensure the team remains cap-compliant.
One thing is for certain: Timmins will not be one of the players the Leafs consider moving because he has done more than enough to ensure he is a mainstay in the lineup.
“It’s been great. Timmins made some really great plays for us on the backend,” Mitch Marner said in regards to Timmins. “I think he’s done a great job winning our zone outlaying the puck through the middle of the ice and trying to find that middle speed. He’s done a really good job this year. It’s great to see him get rewarded on that goal.”
