Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win the Atlantic Division
Leafs have improved their biggest weakness
The Leafs defense was their biggest weakness last season. Physical, but plodding, non-puck-moving trade deadline additions Joel Edmundson and Ilya Lyubushkin turned out to be horrible additions and an indictment on the state of the team's back end.
The play of T.J. Brodie and Mark Giordano regressed. Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, and an unexpected boost from Simon Benoit were the most dependable blueliners.
Adding proven veterans Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson during this summer's free agency has potentially improved the Maple Leafs defense, though it should be noted that OEL is an expensive upgrade on Giordano but they pretty much played the same roles, on the same kind of team, and put up nearly identical numbers doing so last year.
Projected pairings of Rielly/Tanev, McCabe/Timothy Liljegren, and OEL-Benoit give the Leafs a better blend of physical play, puck movers, and versatility on their blue line. The team lacks a stud defender but their overall group has more potential than last year's defense.
The Leafs young talent is ready to emerge
Goaltender Joseph Woll has limited NHL experience and health concerns but his talent is undeniable. His calm demeanor and presence are suited to playing in a market like Toronto.
The early returns also suggest he is built for the big stage. He led the Leafs back from a 3-1 series deficit to force a deciding Game 7 during last year's first round. An unfortunate injury at the end of Game 6 derailed his momentum.
Woll's potential alone is a huge factor. Keeping him healthy is the key to the team's division title hopes. Woll playing roughly half the games in a competitive tandem with newcomer Anthony Stolarz plus an occasional contribution from veteran Matt Murray should catapult the Leafs to a first-place finish.
Matthew Knies is another young piece that is full of potential. He, too thrives in the postseason. The 21-year-old has shone in two playoff appearances and has the skill and size suited for a top-six role among forwards.
The big left-winger had a solid first, full NHL season with 15 goals and 35 points. The accomplishments came despite little time spent on special teams. An extra year's worth of experience should mean improved production and another skilled forward that the opposition needs to account for.
Promising prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten will look to prove during training camp that they are ready for a full-time NHL role. Either of them making the team would provide some needed upside to the bottom six forwards.
Unhappy restricted free agent Nick Robertson is another young prospect capable of boosting the Leafs. He should welcome a fresh start with Berube. The new coach has arrived at an optimal time when the Maple Leafs promising youngsters are ready to mesh with the team's high-priced talent.