Simulation Series Part 1: Can The Current Toronto Maple Leafs Core Win A Cup?

Toronto Maple Leafs and Prospects: Player Edits and Explanation

Auston Matthews: Potential increased to Low Franchise (From High Elite). No stat changes.

The reason for this slight change is simple- Matthews is the face of the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise. It’s a negligible change but one that I felt compelled to make nonetheless.

Justin Holl: Potential increased to Exact Top 6 (From 7th D). No stat changes.

Again, an ultimately meaningless change, just to put some respect on Holl’s name. Players of his age no longer improve under the EA Sports Franchise mode formula, so it won’t affect his performance.

Rasmus Sandin: Potential Increased to Medium Elite (From High Top 4). Stats boosted to 80 overall rating (From 78).

Many view Sandin as a future top-pairing defenceman, I share those beliefs and wanted to have his abilities more accurately reflect that potential.

Nick Robertson: Potential increased to High Top 6 (From Medium Top 6). Stats boosted to 74 overall rating (from 62). Player type changed to Sniper (from Playmaker)

This was the one I struggled with the most. Robertson’s near-historic rise over the last 11 months has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

With Kyle Dubas’ remarks and widespread speculation that he could make his NHL debut as early as this fall, I wondered about making him an Elite potential player, however, in the end, I kept the expectations tailored while still putting him in the best position to succeed.

Semyon Der-Arguchintsev: Potential untouched (Medium Top 6). Stats boosted to 68 overall rating (from 62).

“SDA” is nearing the end of his time in major junior and at his current skill level, would not have been ready for the AHL. Plus, Der-Arguchintsev had a great year playing alongside Nick Robertson in Peterborough, this boost in ability somewhat accurately reflects the strides he made in his game.

Justin Brazeau: Potential raised to High Bottom-6 (from Medium AHL Top 6). Stats boosted to 72 overall (from 67). Promoted from Newfoundland Growlers to Toronto Marlies.

The Growlers rookie of the year is a player that I have my eye on as a potential depth player with the Leafs in the years to come. There is some personal bias in this move, I will admit, but I’m intrigued as to what this particular player can develop into when he is put into a position to succeed.

Mikhail Abramov: Potential raised to Medium Top 6 (from Low Top 6). Stats boosted to 66 overall rating (from 61).

One of the top-scoring players in the QMJHL, Abramov signed a 3-year entry-level contract earlier this year, a move which seems to suggest he factors into Kyle Dubas’ plans in the years to come.

Filip Kral: Potential unchanged (Medium Top 6 D). Stats boosted to 66 overall rating (from 62).

Another Dubas draft pick who has recently signed an ELC and like Abramov, I wanted him in a position to make the AHL team when his time comes.

In an ideal world, this mode would provide the option to also manage the lineup of an ECHL affiliate for prospects in your pipeline that are too old for major junior and have not yet developed enough to be an immediate impact player on an AHL roster, or have reached the age where they must be signed or you lose their rights, even though they are not ready for professional play.

Another appreciated option would be the ability to assign instructions to players being sent to junior level (simple things like “score more” or “focus on defence”), as a way to maybe inform the simulation of your plans for players who are outside of your immediate control (maybe next year EA?).

One final note to make is that, although he will likely make the 2020-2021 Maple Leafs roster in real life, Alexander Barabanov will not be making an appearance in this simulation, as he is not programmed into the software and created custom players are always a little too good no matter what skill rating you set them at.

The last thing we’re going to cover in this part of Simulation Series is a complete report on the year one results of this new five-year plan. Standings, Awards, playoff results, as well as notable trades from around the league.