How Does the Current Toronto Maple Leafs Roster Compare to Last Season?
Overall Leafs Outlook
The Leafs are still loaded up front, especially their top two lines. Their defense, last year's biggest weakness, has improved. A big factor in next season's success will be the adjustment of Tanev and Ekman-Larsson into the lineup.
Can Tanev fit seamlessly alongside Rielly? Is Ekman-Larsson capable of being a reliable top-four defenseman?
Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and Tavares will ultimately determine how far this team goes, but the potential of Knies, Robertson, Minten, and Cowan is intriguing. If the former two can continue to ascend and one of the latter shows they can handle regular NHL duty, the Leafs can join the ranks of the elite.
The Maple Leafs have more potential at forward as their prospects and young veterans mature. Their defense is improved and has more balance. The biggest x-factor to the Toronto Maple Leafs success will be Woll.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs present-day roster is better than the one that finished last season. Internal improvement and health are necessary for the Leafs to join the top teams of the NHL, but the potential is there.