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Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win the Atlantic Division

A divisional title is the tonic to lead the Leafs to playoff success.

By Jeremy Franks

May 12, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) battles for a loose puck with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and defenseman Jake McCabe (22) in front of goalie Joseph Woll (60) in the second period in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) battles for a loose puck with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and defenseman Jake McCabe (22) in front of goalie Joseph Woll (60) in the second period in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports / Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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It's been 25 years since the Toronto Maple Leafs won their division, excluding the 2020-2021 pandemic season when they won the temporary group of all-Canadian teams. It's an underrated dubious distinction for a franchise saddled with the longest current Stanley Cup drought in the National Hockey League.

The seven first-round playoff exits and only one series win during the Auston Matthews era are well-documented. The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost six consecutive deciding game 7s, dating to 2013. All of them were on the road, the last five during the Matthews era.

The Leafs are bringing back the same core of players but changes in goal, defense, and coaching bring hope for a new strategy; winning the division and the home-ice advantage that comes with it.

There are many reasons why the Maple Leafs can win their division and create an easier path to playoff success.

Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win the Atlantic Division


Pat Quinn, Mats Sundin, and Curtis Joseph's division-winning Leafs of 1999-2000 overachieved. After that decorated trio, the drop-off in talent was significant. This version of the Maple Leafs is deeper than the Quinn-led team.

The Leafs are regarded outside the top 5 contenders for a Stanley Cup title but they are safely inside the top ten, and their ceiling feels much higher. This edition of the team has much more talent than a year ago.

The Maple Leafs of 2024-2025 will begin this season in a much better place. Recently minted captain Matthews is a top two to five player in the league. He is supported by all-star forwards William Nylander and Mitch Marner.

The demoted John Tavares will be eager to prove his worth. A big season from Marner could give him a larger payday when he hits unrestricted free agency next summer.

The Leafs also made significant improvements to their blue line. They have young talent ready to ascend, goaltending depth, plus a new leader behind the bench. Toronto has many reasons to believe they can finish atop the Atlantic Division.

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