4:00 UPDATE: Leafs add Mark Fraser (PTO)
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It’s a different feeling going into a new season with a new coaching staff and management and expecting the worst. Usually at this time of the year I am getting excited about a possible season where my beloved Leafs turn things around and get into the playoffs and make a good push.
This year is quite a different story.
One thing is certain, I can’t wait to see Babcock behind the Leafs bench! His “game face… is nothing but business as he will be looking over his newly acquired Maple Leafs roster and begins to make his adjustments. You can bet yourself that Mike Babcock is going to get some worth out of all of these so called ‘rental players’ and young guns he has to work with.
Will Boyes, Setoguchi or Glencross make the Leafs out of camp?
The addition of the three invitees into camp shows there is a big push to ensure the spots are deserved and more so that any young talent will not be rushed up early to fill a void if a trade or injury were to take place. Perhaps the Leafs will keep all three and move all three at deadline for more picks and prospects. After all, that seems to be the goal with these one year deals. Winnik was able to secure a couple more seasons with the Leafs after his valiant effort last season. Santorelli and Franson got to play for the Predators in their playoff run and the Leafs in return stocked up with picks and prospects. These deals keep some of the aging players in the National Hockey League while the older prospects attempt to take a mainstay with the big club.
Is Toronto’s goal scoring going to be one of the biggest problems this season? Or will the goals add up with a number of players chipping in and the defense and goaltending be the biggest weakness? The offense will undoubtedly take a hit in production without the likes of Phil Kessel, that’s a given. But this will also open up a spot for someone on the top line, and of course on the power play.
Franson out of the Leafs lineup will also open up some room for youngsters Rielly and Gardiner to make them more productive from the blue line. Hopefully they learned one thing from Franson; the hardest shot is not always the best shot, but the one that gets to the net quickly. Something Dion needs to take note of in his handbook as he has a tremendous shot; one that just misses the net far too often.
Looking back at last season, we can all agree that our goaltending was atrocious down the stretch. Bernier and Reimer were both awful, and we as fans expected a lot more from our promising goaltender Jonathan Bernier. Without question he better improve his game this season if he wants to keep Babcock and Shanahan content moving forward.
As you can recall but try to forget, the Leafs finished behind Buffalo in the Eastern Conference with a measly 68 points. Don’t expect the effort level to be so low that Toronto finishes with this few points in 2015/16. Toronto scored 211 goals and had 262 goals against last season, finishing with a -51 goal differential overall. They somehow managed to have a winning record at home of 22-17-2; I would imagine vast majority of those wins came at home in the first few months of the regular season.
After looking over all of the potential Maple Leafs at camp this season, here is my thoughts on the odds of which players will be there for the bulk of the season.
Starting:
Joffrey Lupul James van Riemsdyk Tyler Bozak Nazem Kadri Leo Komarov Shawn Matthias Daniel Winnik Nick Spaling Brad Boyes Curtis Glencross Dion Phaneuf Jake Gardiner Roman Polak Morgan Rielly
Likely Starting:
P-A Parenteau Mark Arcobello Richard Panik Peter Holland Josh Leivo Matt Hunwick Stephane Robidas Stuart Percy
Long Shots:
Casey Bailey Taylor Beck TJ Brennan Martin Marincin Petter Granberg Devin Setoguchi Matt Frattin Frederik Gauthier Connor Brown
There are of course a number of other prospects who will remain with the Marlies, Solar Bears or return to their junior team like Leafs 2015 first round pick Mitch Marner. If there is anyone on the list you feel I missed by all means let me know in the comments section, other opinions are always welcomed.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will begin their pre-season schedule this upcoming Monday. Be sure that you have your night free if you are interested in watching the Buds hit the ice in a split squad battle versus the Ottawa Senators.
Thanks for reading; puck drop is just around the corner!