Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
Departures: Dave Bolland, Carl Gunnarsson, Nikolai Kulemin, Tim Gleason, Jay McClement, Mason Raymond
Arrivals: Leo Komarov, Matt Frattin, Mike Santorelli, Petri Kontiola, Daniel Winnik, Stephane Robidas, Roman Polak
Now, I know you might say I’m being a homer with the prediction of a third place for the Leafs. However, there is a reason for it. I see two things in the Leafs that some of the other teams might not have: balance and a few players that are highly motivated.
The Leafs are attempting to mimic what the most successful NHL teams do and that is to have a fourth line that actually plays the game, more specifically a balanced lineup. With the additions the Leafs made this off-season, that balance should be there.
The second point of course is motivation. We all remember what Mason Raymond did with the Leafs after joining the Leafs in training camp on a try-out basis. This year, the Leafs have Kontiola, Booth and Santorelli on one-year deals. We know they will be motivated to earn longer-term deals with their next contract, be it with the Leafs or another team.
However, there might not be a more motivated player than David Clarkson. He’ll want to show that last year was merely a fluke and not the new norm for what he’ll be in Toronto.
That balance, motivation, along with what should be an improved defense and Jonathan Bernier in net, the Leafs will return to the playoffs this season.