Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction Roundtable

Josh Tessler:

I’m excited that the Leafs are 3-1. That said, the Toronto Maple Leafs most likely won’t win the cup this year. I think they’ll end up losing in the eastern conference finals. Also, I’m just not in love with the Leafs defense. For the Leafs to a be a contender for the cup, they’ll need to bring in a strong defender at the deadline to supplant Ron Hainsey in the top-four.

Personally, I believe that the Calgary Flames will win the cup this year. They just have outstanding depth in the offensive and defensive zones. Johnny Gaudreau, Sam Bennett, Jaromir Jagr, Curtis Lazar, Sean Monahan, Matthew Tkachuk, TJ Brodie, Dougie Hamilton and Mark Giordano. From top to bottom, they are built to win and bring the cup to Calgary.

For the NHL awards, my predictions are:

Hart – Conor McDavid

Vezina Braden Holtby

Calder – Charlie McAvoy

Yes, I believe that Connor McDavid will receive the Hart Memorial Trophy for the second year in a row. McDavid truly is the best hockey player in the NHL. McDavid truly carries his team on his back and helps the Edmonton Oilers win day-in, night-out. Braden Holtby is my Vezina winner. Holtby won the Vezina in the 2015-2016 season and his GAA and Save Percentage is one of the highest in the NHL. Holtby is truly a brick wall in net.

Sure, Washington won’t make it far into the playoffs but Holtby gives them a fighting chance. My Calder prediction is Charlie McAvoy. Most fans will disagree and say Nico Hischier or Nolan Patrick. However, not only did McAvoy play for one of the most prestigious college hockey teams at Boston University, but he looked phenomenal in the playoffs last year against Ottawa. The Bruins will also use him heavily on the point on the power-play.