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Toronto Maple Leafs: Putting It In Writing

By James Tanner|
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms-up before facing the Boston Bruins in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on April 23, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms-up before facing the Boston Bruins in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on April 23, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are just a couple of weeks away from the regular season.

With Toronto Maple Leafs training camp underway, the anticipation is as high as it’s every been.  At least in my experience.

I have been writing daily posts on the Leafs all summer, and so you better believe that I absolutely cannot wait to put down the laptop, pick up a beer, and watch some actual hockey.

Since I argue and talk about hockey everyday, I thought it would be fun (for me at least) to write down some of my thoughts and predictions all in one place for posterity.

Then check back periodically throughout the season and see how I’m doing.

Predictions and Ideas Vol. 1

  • The Leafs will break up the Rielly and Hainsey pairing.  So confident am I in this that I made a gentleman’s agreement with my friend Josh Tessler.   I just don’t see how the Leafs can finish bottom-four in shots/against and then return with the same top-four.
  • Connor Carrick will be in the lineup opening night and, barring injury, will play in every game this year.   He is the Toronto Maple Leafs best defensive player – led the team in shot-attempts, shots, scoring chances and goals against.   Hard to keep him out of the lineup.
  • Timothy Liljegren will make the opening night roster.  He is the Leafs most talented player at their weakest position.  I can’t honestly believe how many ‘measured’ takes I’ve seen where they are like ‘he’s got no chance.’ I think we’ll see him shock everyone and make the team.
  • If Liljegren does not make the opening night roster, I predict he will be traded as he represents a way the Leafs can significantly upgrade their roster without taking away from it.
  • Auston Matthews will score 65 goals.  A lot of people said this was crazy, but Matthews already scores at a higher pace than Ovechkin did at 5v5 during his 65 goal season.  And he’s still getting better.  Matthews needs to maintain his 5v5 pace and add being an elite            power-play performer to his resume, and then he’ll hit 65.
  • The Leafs will definitely trade for a defenseman. I predict there will be a training camp tarde.  Something like Chris Tanev would really help this team, and they can’t afford to wait around forever because winning their division is key to avoid a stupid first-round playoff matchup against Tampa or Boston.
  • Josh Leivo will play a regular shift.
  • The Montreal Canadiens will challenge for a playoff spot.  They will be better than people think and will most definitely not be in competition for 31st overall.
  • The bottom five teams in the NHL: Ottawa, Detroit, Chicago, New York Islanders, New York Rangers.

Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs will win the Atlantic Division, the President’s Trophy and the Stanley Cup.

And, as  a Bonus, I’ll start the stakes off high and predict William Nylander is signed my tomorrow afternoon. Eight Years, $7.5 million.

Thanks for reading.

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