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Toronto Maple Leafs: The Team to Look Out For in the West

By Mitchell Hartman

Oct 20, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Nicholas Robertson (89) scores the winning goal and celebrates with Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) against the Dallas Stars during the overtime period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Nicholas Robertson (89) scores the winning goal and celebrates with Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) against the Dallas Stars during the overtime period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have  recently won their first playoff series in almost 2 decades.

A deep playoff run to the Stanley Cup finals is obviously difficult for any team, but for the Toronto Maple Leafs it seems like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Expecting the Leafs to make the Cup finals might be lofty expectations, but if they do, there is one team I do not want to face.

That team is the Dallas Stars.

Here’s why I think the Stars might be the most dangerous team in the entire league next season.

Toronto Maple Leafs: The Team to Look Out For in The West

Now whoever makes the finals from the Western Conference, whether it’s the Stars, Golden Knights, or even the Oilers, they are going to be a worthy opponent. But there is something (a lot of things actually) about the Stars that makes them so dangerous, and they are my personal favourites to win the Stanley Cup next year.

A Mix of Youth and Experience

The Dallas Stars have done a great job of making the playoffs and being competitive, but also drafting well and continuing to inject youth into the lineup.

The 2017 draft is a great example, where the Stars had one of the greatest drafts of all time. They picked up Miro Heiskanen, Jake Oettinger, and Jason Robertson in the top 40 of the draft, acquiring franchise cornerstones at forward, defense, and goaltending.

I can’t forget about the team’s veterans, however, including recent addition Matt Duchene, the ageless Joe Pavelski (who is looking for his first cup), and captain Jamie Benn, who had a terrific bounce-back season last year.

No Glaring Weaknesses

The Dallas Stars have one of the most complete lineups in the entire NHL, and there are no glaring weaknesses on the team.

Their forward group, led by Robertson and Roope Hintz, is loaded from top to bottom. The defense corps is very strong, led by Norris contender Miro Heiskanen. As well, between the pipes they have one of the top goaltending duos in the whole league.

Looking at some other top contenders, such as the Hurricanes or Leafs, there are at least one or two main issues with those teams. Carolina is still looking for a true game-breaking forward, and the Leafs are missing a No. 1 defenseman. The Stars do not have an issue like this.

The Stars Have Come Up Short Recently and Are Due For a Win

In the last 5 seasons, the Stars have lost in Game 7 double-overtime to an eventual cup champ, made the Stanley Cup Finals (where they lost to a team on the verge of a dynasty), and have a run to the Western Conference Finals, which was of course just last year. The Stars have experience going deep in the playoffs, but just need to pull it together.

Many recent Cup winners, including Colorado, Tampa, and even Vegas, were all in a similar position to where the Stars are now. Many years of coming up short, followed by an eventual Championship.

Next. Ranking Every Leafs Goalie Since the 90s. dark

I think that this is the year for the Dallas Stars, and the Toronto Maple Leafs better watch out.

Let’s see how this season plays out.

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