Goaltending:
Anthony Stolarz was the marquee addition between the pipes for the Leafs, as well as extending Joseph Woll for three more seasons.
The Leafs are taking a chance here on two goaltenders who have been very strong in the NHL with limited playing time but neither have been full-time starters at any point in their careers in the big leagues.
Stolarz did play 47 AHL games back in 2016 but has yet to play more than 28 in one NHL season. While Woll only has 36 NHL regular season games to his name.
The Leafs may have failed to acquire a star goalie such as Jacob Markstrom or Juuse Saros via trade, but the tandem of Woll and Stolarz isn't bad at all.
They're a cheap duo and have potential to be one of the top tandems in the NHL.
Final Verdict:
I believe the Leafs are a better team than the group that lost to the Boston Bruins this past playoff year.
The forward group may need an addition or two (or just some further growth from Knies or Cowan), but it is still a strong group nonetheless.
The defense looks far better than last year and no longer looks like a liability. And in between the pipes, the tandem of Woll and Stolarz make be risky, but has potential to be great if it works out.
The team is not perfect, but they are improved, and should have no problem getting back to winning 50+ games again.
Let's see if they can do it.