Toronto Maple Leafs: Eye on the Enemy, Part Five

It’s time to take a brief look at the Toronto Maple Leafs divisional competition, the Florida Panthers.

There’s not a big rivalry between the Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the games are always good.

I was just golfing on Monday with two LA Kings (the enemy) scouts and the argument of the day was that the team had switched who they covered.

The only thing they cared about was who got to cover the Florida teams, so naturally one was very disappointed.

I thought it was funny, to say the least.

Okay, that was a little off topic, so let’s get back to things.

Here’s the fifth installment of my seven-part series where we take a look into the Atlantic Division for the 2017-18 season.

Before we get to the team, let’s backtrack real quick.

Remember that at the end of each article, I’ll make a prediction for where I think the team of conversation will land in the standings by the end of the regular season.

To the Panthers, we go.

Flordia Panthers

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Take a quick look at their cap situation and you’ll notice they have almost $11 million in projected cap space.

They also only have 39/50 contracts used and a roster size of 18/23.

This team will be bringing in some rookies and has a chance to grow in others areas as well.

Recently acquired first round pick in Owen Tippett could really make a leap for an NHL spot if he impresses at training camp, which is likely.

The club also lost Jaromir Jagr, a surprisingly durable player who skated in all 82 games last season, bringing in 16 goals and 46 points.

Fire power shouldn’t be of major concern, with the likes of Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov, and Vincent Trocheck leading the charge.

That’s without mentioning Evgeni Dadonov.

Buddy never really performed over here in the NHL but has since lit it up in the KHL with the SKA Saint Petersburg.

I’m expecting a 60 point season for him and I know that’s a lot, but his most recent season in the K with 30 goals and 66 points in 53 games played should be an indication of what he’s capable of.

Continued

For me, their defense is where things get a little scary.

Slightly underrated in my opinion as well.

The other recent Calder Trophy winner from the Panthers (don’t forget Huberdeau in 2013) in Aaron Ekblad (2015) leads the way.

Next up is Jason Demers, Mark Pysyk, and Alex Petrovic, all of which stand out to me.

Then you can add in veteran leadership from Keith Yandle and it looks pretty solid.

When you transition to their goaltending duo, there’s future Hockey Hall of Fame goalie and all star social media expert Robert Luongo and Leafs alumni James Reimer.

Luongo can still play an elite game and Reimer may make strides this season if he’s given his chance.

This team may surprise some this upcoming season, but I’m playing it safe that they won’t have the year they need under new head coach, Bob Boughner.

Although this a team that I’d like to be wrong about.

I’m predicting that the Panthers will finish sixth in the Atlantic this season.

Next: The Vault?

Two left to go.