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Toronto Maple Leafs 2019-20 Player Expectations and Forecasts

By James Tanner

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts to the crowd after the Leafs scored against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts to the crowd after the Leafs scored against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 17: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his 1st of two goals against the Boston Bruins in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 17, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 6-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Age:  22

Role:  Undisputed best player on the roster.  Auston Matthews is behind only Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid when it comes to overall ranking in the NHL.

He is the leading 5v5 goal scorer, on a per/minute basis, since he entered the NHL, and is fifth in total points.  What is most impressive about that is that those years include his rookie season and two seasons in which he suffered multiple injuries and missed over a quarter of the games.

Last Season:  Scored 37 goals in 68 games.  Was the Leafs best player when healthy.  Was saddled with Patrick Marleau as his second-most used winger last season. Marluea and Matthews were a 49% duo that allowed more goals than they scored.

Matthews with literally any other players: 56%

For three seasons worth of data, the best player – by far – to play with Matthews is William Nylander and they are expected to be reunited this season.

Not doing so would be a fireable offense for Babcock.

Expectations: The expectations for Matthews this year are to be one of the best players in the NHL, stay healthy, play more per game, and score over 50 goals and 100 points.

No one can expect a Hart Trophy, but we do expect Matthews to play like an MVP.

What He Needs to Meet Expectations:  Health, increased ice time, William Nylander.

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