Toronto Maple Leafs’ report cards at the 31-game mark of 2018-19

FREDERIK GAUTHIER. B-/C+. Gauthier has never been much of a points guy, and many thought that his days in the Maple Leafs’ lineup were long over. But with Matthews’ injury, Freddy the GOAT was provided with yet another opportunity to make a splash at hockey’s highest level. Unexpectedly, Gauthier’s point production remains low — just 4 assists in 24 games is nothing to write home about — but his ability to make (relatively) decent plays on the club’s fourth line is what will allow him to be kept as the team’s thirteenth forward.. C. TOR

C. This is the first season in which excuses cannot be made for Zaitsev, who is now used to NHL ice and has braved the storm of injuries that plagued his 2017-18 campaign. While the 27-year has been better than he was last season, few — if any — Maple Leafs fans would even dare to make the argument that Zaitsev is worth $4.5 million until 2023-24, as his advanced numbers are incredibly poor and his offensive game is all but non-existent. I don’t dislike No. 22 as much as the average hockey lover, but expect his name to remain a staple of speculative talks throughout 2018-19.. D. TOR. NIKITA ZAITSEV

dark. Next. It’s time to talk about the humiliation of Jake Gardiner

RON HAINSEY. C/C-. I genuinely feel sorry for Hainsey. The 37-year-old is one of hockey’s finest troopers and his offensive production — 3 goals and 12 points in 31 games — is surprisingly better than three of his defensive counterparts (Dermott, Ozhiganov and Zaitsev, respectively). The problem, however, lies in the fact that the veteran has lost a step — and an obvious one at that. He’s been caught flat-footed on a recurring basis, has struggled repeatedly in his own end and is simply too slow for the individuals whom he is frequently matched up against. I actually think he’d excel as a No. 6, but for now, look for Hainsey to continue to struggle as we await the installment of a sufficient replacement.. D. TOR