Maple Leafs: Five Predictions For The Season

toronto maple leafs — Oct 6, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) reacts aftyer scoring agoal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period of a preseason hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Matthews will be the number one center after 20 games

Originally I wanted to say 10 games before Matthews takes over as the number one center. However, with Mike Babcock at the helm, it could take a bit for Matthews to climb up the depth chart.

As many of you already know, Matthews has been slotted to start the season on the third line. However, this won’t last very long as the World Cup of Hockey showed how quickly he can climb up the depth chart.

On Team North America Matthews was slotted as the 13^th forward going into the tournament. That didn’t last very long as he was able to make his way to the top line to play with Connor McDavid.

Todd McLellan calls Auston Matthews hockey's version of a 5-tool player in baseball. https://t.co/9hMh7MT30J pic.twitter.com/S6OnPbmsn7
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) September 18, 2016

Finally, look at the players he leaped over to play on the first line. If he can surpass the likes of Jack Eichel, Johnny Gaudreau, and others, it’s pretty safe to say he can leap over Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri.

Nonetheless, after 20 games the number one center will be Matthews. He will be out there on all situations and will definitely have the trust of Babcock.