The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the early portion of their pre-season schedule. Some prospects are fighting to earn a spot on the main roster, while some, like Max Pacioretty, are trying to earn a contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs new head coach, Craig Berube, is getting his first look at many Leafs players. Figuring out line combinations and which players on the bubble deserve a roster spot is his focus right now. It's only been two preseason games, but some players have already looked impressive.
Preseason is also an opportunity for players to get comfortable playing with new teammates, especially if those new teammates will be new linemates. A chance to learn what works and what doesn't before the games played matter. There are always tons of storylines during training camp and preseason.
For the Leafs, it's William Nylander getting used to playing center. Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly need to get comfortable playing together as the Leafs top defense pair. Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann are trying to take their next steps after good rookie seasons.
Preseason is also the perfect time to make early bold predictions for the upcoming season. Here are my top five bold predictions.
5 exciting predictions for the Toronto Maple Leafs 2024-25 season
Matthew Knies will score 30 goals
Matthew Knies registered 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points in 80 games last season. He averaged 13:41 minutes of ice time. Knies is expected to play most, if not all, of his time in the Leafs top-six this season. (All stats from hockey-reference.com)
Head coach Craig Berube has started him on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner this preseason. Playing with those two on a regular basis will mean more ice time for Knies and more opportunities to produce points. A whole season in the Leafs top-six should help Knies score 30 goals this season.
Auston Matthews will score 70 goals
If any player can score 70 goals, it's Auston Matthews. After coming so close last season with 69 goals, 70 shouldn't be considered unreachable for the 27-year-old superstar. Matthews scoring 70 would also help him capture his fourth Maurice (Rocket) Richard Trophy in five seasons.
Joseph Woll will record 30 wins
Joseph Woll has only played a career total of 36 games in the NHL. However, in those combined 36 games, his record is 21-13-1, with a 2.76 GAA and a .912 SV%. A healthy Woll is capable of playing 45-50 games this season. If he does, I don't think 30 wins is out of reach.
Morgan Rielly will register 70 points
Morgan Rielly registered seven goals and 51 assists for 58 points in 72 games last season. Having Chris Tanev as a defensive-minded defense partner, Rielly will have more freedom to join the rush and help create more scoring opportunities.
He hasn't reached 70 points since the 2018-19 season, when he registered 72 points with Ron Hainsey as his defense partner. Rielly also registered 68 points in the 2021-22 season. A healthy Rielly playing a minimum of 80 games should be able to register 70 points this season.
Leafs will make it to the Eastern Conference Finals
With the right balance of star power (Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Tavares), young talent (Knies, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson), solid defense, and a more than capable goaltending tandem, I think the Leafs have a good shot at finally getting over the playoff slump and advancing beyond the 2nd round.
Obviously, some things will change between now and then, but with what the team has right now, plus whichever player(s) Leafs GM Brad Treliving can add at the deadline, the Leafs have as good of a shot as any other playoff-bound team.