When looking back at the Leafs line-up just a couple of seasons ago I see names like Cody Franson, David Clarkson, David Booth, Eric Brewer, Richard Panik, Mike Santorelli, Zach Sill, Carter Ashton, Matt Frattin, Brandon Kozun and of course Dion Phaneuf, Jonathan Bernier and Phil Kessel.

What I really see are a couple of talented players on a roster full of borderline NHL’ers.

Oh how the prospect pool and overall talent pool has improved. It’s actually improved so much that it’s not easy to recognize too many players from just two seasons ago. Shanahan has certainly had his work cut out for him, and has done better than most expected, at least this early into the rebuild.

The players remaining from two seasons ago include: JVR, Bozak, Kadri, Rielly, Komarov, Holland, Gardiner, Lupul, Polak, Robidas, and Leivo. Three or four of these players may never play for the Leafs again, pending which direction they and management decide to go. That’s quite the turnover in Leafs Nation and one that brings a lot of hope.

Add in the likes of Matthews, Marner, Martin, Nylander, Soshnikov, Zaitsev and Andersen between the pipes and you are already looking at a future that holds promise. That’s not where the prospect pool ends either, as the Leafs have a number of players that are either getting comfortable in the NHL or are being used as a stop gap until our prospects fully ripen.

Players like Laich, Miichalek and Greening are the vets who will have to work hard to get NHL ice time over the younger players in Holland, Lindberg, Hyman, Rychel, Brown and Leivo. It’s really going to be quite the battle for solidifying a roster spot on this 2016/17 Maple Leafs team.

It’s quite evident that the Leafs have improved vastly under Shanahan, especially since the addition of Lou Lamoriello as he has made some quality moves regarding the Leafs salary cap and a few trades to go with them. I’m still quite sure (in my mind) that the Leafs didn’t want to bring in Lamoriello until the Kessel trade was complete. It’s not exactly the first deal you want to make when you take over a team like the Leafs, a smart decision by Maple Leafs management if you ask me.

So now what?

As the summer continues to progress and the pre-season approaches, the members of Leafs Nation await eagerly for puck drop. This without a doubt is the most amped up Leafs fans have been in over 15 years, at least. Some may say this is the brightest the future has ever looked, and then of course there are those who are still very skeptical after being heart broken by Maple Leafs teams of the past.

I for one am fully onboard with the Shanaplan and feel the team is going to flourish in a couple of seasons.

The Leafs still have some growing pains this season, but by seasons end will be one of those teams just outside of the playoffs, giving every team a hard fought battle. That's where I peg this years roster, a battle right until the end.

Overall we can see the Leafs have improved vastly, but there are still many more additions/subtractions to take place before Shanahan and his crew are reasonably satisfied, as it is; the Maple Leafs roster will always be a work in progress, Stanley cup or not.

The key at this point is to stay the course.

Toronto has a few excellent pieces as we all know, even more than a few after this year’s 2016 draft. Now is time to assess our talent and see how everyone is progressing. I’m fully satisfied with the off-season moves the Leafs have made and expect them to make big strides this season getting back on track.

The forward crop looks bountiful, and the defense should be improved with both Rielly and Gardiner having another season with Babcock and his strategic game plan. Zaitsev should help round out the crop with his quality puck moving skills and NHL skating. But most importantly Andersen between the pipes is going to help everyone play a more comfortable game, and also let Babcock sleep at night, not worrying about goals going in from the red line.

Patience from the players, coaches, upper management and fans is a must at this point. There is no reason to trade a player for another player to fill one gap and open another. With the abundance of forwards who are ready and eager to make the jump, management sure has their work cut-out to ensure they keep the ‘right’ players and of course bring them up at the right time.

There has been some talk about Toronto trading JVR for Fowler, but at this point, I don’t see it being a trade the Leafs entertain as they are still a ways from figuring out what they have from not only each player, but need by position. Fowler, who I think is a quality defenseman, has fallen down the ladder on the Ducks depth chart, unless the price is very reasonable I assume Lou and Shanny stand pat.

This is exactly why I’m riding shotgun for the draft and develop model. A route the Maple Leafs haven’t followed for a long enough time, better late than never as they say.

Thanks for reading, enjoy your hump day.

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