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5 Biggest Questions Surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs

By Stephen Nixon

TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his game winning goal at 13:10 in overtime to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Qualification Round prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 07, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his game winning goal at 13:10 in overtime to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Qualification Round prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 07, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 28: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is congratulated by teammate Zach Hyman #11 after the 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens during an exhibition game prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on July 28, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images) /

#1. What Freddie Andersen Will We See This Season?

Freddie Andersen is a great goaltender and the Toronto Maple Leafs can win with him between the pipes. I know that he fell apart during Game 3 of the Qualifying Series against Columbus last season, but for the most part, he was brilliant throughout the entire series.

Andersen has struggled when the team’s needed him most, but he’s also been a victim of the defensive-core in front of him. There are absolutely no excuses now. The defense is upgraded and the team in front of him is better than any other squad before.

Not only that, but this will be a 56-game sprint heading towards the playoffs. The Leafs are going to need Jack Campbell to probably play 15-20 games this year in order to keep Andersen fresh based on the condensed schedule. Having a legitimate back-up goaltender for the first time in a few years will only help Andersen. His regular season numbers should be good, but as long as the team makes the playoffs, those stats won’t matter. The only thing that matters will be if he can help them win the playoffs.

Andersen is also in a contract-year, which help keep him motivated. Whether or not he re-signs in Toronto, he’ll want to have the best season of his career to set him up with the biggest possible contract he can get. If he fails under the pressure again and shows that he can’t win the big game, not only will the Leafs want to move on from him, but another team may not be willing to offer him a long-term deal.

Next. 3 Big Training Camp Storylines. dark

Most players shine in their contract year, so I would expect Andersen to do the same. Mix in the unbelievable offensive talent and upgraded defense and the Leafs should have no problem winning 4-2 every night.

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