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Toronto Maple Leafs: with Playoffs Over, Withdrawal Begins

By Bruce Harte Ashley

Nov 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner (16) stands during the national anthem prior to a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner (16) stands during the national anthem prior to a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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I Miss My Toronto Maple Leafs, “The Blue and White Forever”

Let’s start with the facts. While the Stanly Cup was awarded a mere 96 hours ago, my withdrawal symptoms started eight hours later.

Eight and one-half months, from the season opener to the game six finals that saw Pittsburgh win their second Cup in succession. Watching the Penguins makes me realize how close the Toronto Maple Leafs are to bringing back the Stanley Cup to where it belongs. I am glad that due to ex-Leaf Phil the Thrill’s hot dog eating diet he is now a two-time champion.

Our Toronto Maple Leafs, from the outhouse to the penthouse. No more Maple Laughs jokes. For the die-hard fans and all the bandwagon jumpers, walk proud. This past season represents the great things yet to come for our Toronto Maple Leafs.

A Season of Smashed Records

"A team-record 123 goals scored by rookies as well as 304 total points this season, which is the third-highest such total in NHL history.Sportsnet.ca"

  • Three rookies scoring 60 points or more for only the second time in NHL history
  • Three 20 goal scorers for only the sixth time in NHL history. Matthews 40, Nylander 22, Brown 20. Marner missed 20 by one
  • Matthews Franchise rookie records for goals 40, and points 69
  • Nylander’s rookie point streak of 12 games, when games mattered the most
  • Nylander’s rookie power play points, 26
  • Marner’s rookie record for assists, 42
  • Hyman’s rookie record for shorthanded goals, 4
  • Second most assists by a rookie defender, 36, Zaitsev
  • Three rookies on the same team winning the Rookie of the Month award in one season

Toronto Maple Leafs, The Big Three1

  • While playing with two rookies, Auston Matthews dominated the NHL. His ceiling? Unlimited. In addition, he is the only player in NHL history to score four goals in his debut. At any age. In their rookie seasons, Matthews scored more goals than Crosby. At 19 years old, 6’3, 216  pounds, Matthews is a player few defencemen can handle. Due to the lucky numbers 5, 6 13 and 8, 34 plays for the Leafs.  While I play them in the lottery, I have yet to win millions, however, Leafs Nation won Auston. Will he score more points than Connor McDavid? I doubt it. Will he win more Conn Smythe Trophies? Probably so.
  • William Nylander, that kid that had to “run back to Sweden to save his life”. Swinns and Fedes Don  Swinns and Fedes. Willy has scored 42 points more than Nick Ritchie in seven less NHL games. Fans should rejoice, Brendan Shanahan is calling the shots and not Don Cherry.

"As a rookie (first 20 or so games, the year before last) he (Nylander) was a playing centre in the NHL and posting positive possession numbers on a last place team. 53% is good for anyone. For a rookie playing on a last place team, it’s down-right amazing.James Tanner"

  • The “little Swede” is now 6′ 190, and controls the game like few others. From his office at the top of the circle, goalies have no chance. It seems like Babcock is convinced Nylander needs another year on Matthews flank before assuming the full-time duties of an NHL centre and while I can make an argument, unfortunately, I don’t make the line-up. In my mind, as good as Nylander is on the wing, he will be better as a centre. With Matthews and Nylander skating together for another season, my predictions for the 2017-18 season are as follows;
  • Matthews 50 g, 39 a. 89 pts. Nylander 38 g, 46 a, 82 pts, Hyman 18 g, 28 a, 46 pts. A first line that scores 106 goals and 217 points is the NHL’s number one line.
  • Magic Mitch Marner is a star. The kid who makes nothing into something every time he touches the puck. Seems like Marner has eyes in the back of his head. Dazzling, amazing, spectacular do no justice to his skill set. Marner was magic every shift of every game. I honestly can not remember another player dazzling me Like Mitch since Pavel Datsyuk and Wayne Gretzky. Due to his talent, both Bozak and JVR had career years while Bozak finally cracked the 50 point plateau. Lastly, the size concerns are unwarranted because his heart is bigger than his stature. Furthermore, if Mitch can improve his shot velocity, he will give Patrick Kane a run for the best RW in the NHL.

Counting the Days

During the next 16 days, the NHL has the player buy-outs, Expansion Draft, Entry Draft, and Free Agency. Due to so many Maple Leafs rumors, they are hard to stay abreast of. I feel confident that Shanahan, Lamoriello, Dubas, and Hunter will make the right moves for the team and I can’t wait for the shoe to drop. The rookie camp is only 12 weeks away soon followed by training camp. Sixteen weeks from now, the puck will drop on the new season. One where the oddsmakers have the Leafs at 16/1, better than the Blues, Kings and Blue Jackets.

For my fellow fans, those of you who are counting down the days until the puck drops on the 2017-18 season, I will once again share this 5:37 of Blue and White Gold.

Go Leafs!

The Maple Leafs Forever: Tim Thompson

It is a wonderful time to be a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I would love to know, what is your favorite Maple Leaf memory? Please post in the comments or Twitter me, I am always available for Leafs talk.

all stats: hockey db.com elitehockeyprospects.com sportsnet.ca

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