Nick Barden
I think the Toronto Maple Leafs did everything they could to overcome the Bruins and Tampa.
They added a top-2 defenseman. They added a true third-line centre, who’s speedy, defensive, and would work well with players like Kasperi Kapanen and Trevor Moore.
They added Jason Spezza, who is by no means ready to retire. He’s coming home just like John Tavares to live his childhood dream, and to also win a Stanley Cup. I believe this team can do it.
They almost overcame the Bruins last season, and they could’ve done it. I don’t know what happened, but I know it won’t happen this year. Whenever they played Tampa in the regular season, they always showed that they could keep up and play as good as them.
That team doesn’t scare me because they both have similar playing styles. Other than the fact that they can bring better players on cheaper contracts because of the taxes, they’re very similar.
The Leafs are going to finish 2nd in the division right behind the Bolts. I think Tampa will have the better regular season, and I think Boston will have a mediocre season. Zdeno Chara is getting old, and even though he’s passing the torch on, he will still be there, and probably on their top defense pairing.
Toronto has a chance to finish 2nd and get home ice advantage in the first round. They can do it, but they have to hope injuries don’t build up and they can rely on their best players to do well.