Greetings, Hockeybuzzers!

It's that time again - to put up or shut up. To boldly go where no Leafs fan has gone before…

Welcome to the Official 2021-22 Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction Thread!

You know the drill. Use the template below (hit return, then delete {quote=Atomic Wedgie} at the top, and {/quote} at the bottom) and fill out your predictions for the year. There are no real rules - put down point totals, beeyotchy insults, general thoughts - I don't particularly care.

AT puck-drop time on opening night I'll get a ref to lock the thread, so your predictions will haunt you like trading 2 1sts and a 2nd for a complementary winger with a hot dog addiction..

DO NOT MOCK OTHER GUYS' PREDICTIONS IN THIS THREAD!

Do that in the main Leafs threads. But simple rule - if you want to rip a guy a new one for a stupid prediction, you had better have made your own (stupid) predictions first. Otherwise, we will practice social distancing on your ass.

There are no prizes. I will not declare an official winner. Rather, the purpose of this exercise is for you to demonstrate your Leafy geniousness, and to allow others to witness your glory.

So without further ado...

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The Leafs will finish:

The main reason for this is:

The biggest surprise will be:

The biggest disappointment will be:

The unsung hero will be:

The goat will be:

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was:

If I was GM, I would have:

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs:


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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews:

John Tavares:

Mitch Marner:

Willie Nylander

Alex Kerfoot:

Jason Spezza:

Michael Bunting:

Nick Ritchie:

David Kampf:

Ondrej Kase:

Ilya Mikheyev

Wayne Simmonds

Kirill Semyonov:

Pierre Engvall:

Adam Brooks:


The Defence:

TJ Brodie:

Travis Dermott:

Justin Holl:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake Muzzin:

Morgan Rielly:

Rasmus Sandin:

Brennan Menell:


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell:

Petr Mrazek

Joseph Woll:

Michael Hutchinson:

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The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Last place team overall:

Most surprising team:

Most disappointing team:

Art Ross winner:

Hart winner:

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:

Richard winner:


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner:

Eastern Conference winner:

Stanley Cup winner:

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in Division, 3rd in Conference

The main reason for this is: Fantastic regular season team. Even with players leaving the ones still here are the important ones.

The biggest surprise will be: Liljegren. He's proving how good he is already.

The biggest disappointment will be: Kase. Likely he'll get hurt again. Unfortunately.

The unsung hero will be: Whichever goalie is the backup.

The goat will be: On a PTO somewhere.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Holl. Literally the worst.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Mikheyev. Still working his way back from his wrist woes.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Not giving Hyman ridiculous money. Sucks that he's gone, but if he wanted to be a Leaf, he still would be.

If I was GM, I would have: Traded for Ryan Ellis before Philly could.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: (frank) if I know.


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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 60G, 35A

John Tavares: 38G, 44A

Mitch Marner: 28G, 70A

Willie Nylander: 40G, 45A

Alex Kerfoot: 15G, 25A

Jason Spezza: 7G, 24A

Michael Bunting: 20G, 15A

Nick Ritchie: 25G, 25A

David Kampf: 4G, 8A

Ondrej Kase: 14G, 18A

Ilya Mikheyev: 10G, 20A

Wayne Simmonds: 6G, 10A

Kirill Semyonov: Meh

Pierre Engvall: 14G, 14A

Adam Brooks: AHL or claimed off waivers


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 2G, 30A

Travis Dermott: 2G, 10A

Justin Holl: 4G, 10A

Timothy Liljegren: Unfortunately, probably won't be given time, even though he deserves it.

Jake Muzzin: 6G, 22A

Morgan Rielly: 10G, 50A

Rasmus Sandin: 8G, 20A

Brennan Menell: Meh


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: No

Petr Mrazek: Clue

Joseph Woll: AHL

Michael Hutchinson: AHL

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The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Tampa, Leafs, Florida

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Carolina, Washington, NYR

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, St. Louis, Chicago

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Vegas, Edmonton, Calgary

Last place team overall: It'll be a tight race, but whichever of Buttalo and Arizona has worse goaltending.

Most surprising team: Chicago

Most disappointing team: Minnesota

Art Ross winner: McJesus

Hart winner: McJesus

Norris winner: Ekblad

Calder winner: Zegras

Vezina winner: Vasilevskiy

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Colorado

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs (I've literally never picked them and they haven't won a damn series, so I'm picking them to change their fate. You're welcome. )

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs, because I picked them to be in the finals.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Bill Ny

The Leafs will finish: 2nd

The main reason for this is: refs

The biggest surprise will be: Bunting

The biggest disappointment will be: Kase

The unsung hero will be: Muzzin

The goat will be: Hutchinson

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Holl - Muzz factor

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Mikheyev 🥇

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: letting Hyman go

If I was GM, I would have: made a blockbuster with CBJ a long time ago

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: So Leafy




PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews:55/44

John Tavares: 30/45

Mitch Marner: 23/77

Willie Nylander: 33/40

Alex Kerfoot: 18/37

Jason Spezza: 11/15

Michael Bunting:24/24

Nick Ritchie:13/26

David Kampf: 4/14

Ondrej Kase: 1/3

Ilya Mikheyev: 20/30

Wayne Simmonds: 7/17

Kirill Semyonov: 3/5

Pierre Engvall: 10/16

Adam Brooks: 7/9


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 5/23

Travis Dermott: 6/15

Justin Holl: 3/19

Timothy Liljegren: 5/12

Jake Muzzin: 9/24

Morgan Rielly: 15/40

Rasmus Sandin: 10/22

Brennan Menell: 0/4


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 27/14/4

Petr Mrazek: 20/15/2

Joseph Woll: Marlies

Michael Hutchinson: Marlies


The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): TB TOR FLO

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): NYI NYR CAR

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): COL CHI DAL

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): VEG VAN ANA

Last place team overall: DET

Most surprising team: Anaheim

Most disappointing team: Boston

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: MacKinnon

Norris winner: Heiskanen

Calder winner: Zegras

Vezina winner: Gibson

Richard winner: #34


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: COL

Eastern Conference winner: NYI

Stanley Cup winner: NYI

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Barzal

The Leafs will finish: 1st in their division.

The main reason for this is: Their Offense

The biggest surprise will be: How many times Bixll is correct.

The biggest disappointment will be: How many times Bixll is wrong.

The unsung hero will be: David Kampf

The goat will be: Travis Dermott

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Erik Karlsson - terrible defender.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Ilya Mikheyev - Speed to burn and they start going in for him. he will have 120 breakaways, score 8.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: David Kampf

If I was GM, I would have: Sent Marner to Gary Roberts until hockey started up again.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: Sandin will be 3rd in minutes among the D.


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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 58g 47a

John Tavares: 36g 46a

Mitch Marner: 23g 72a

Willie Nylander: 38g 42a

Alex Kerfoot: 15g 26a

Jason Spezza: 18g 27a

Michael Bunting: 16g 25a

Nick Ritchie: 23g 36a

David Kampf: 8g 31a

Ondrej Kase: 12g 21a

Ilya Mikheyev: 15g 31a

Wayne Simmonds: 11g 23a

Kirill Semyonov: 4g 7a

Pierre Engvall: 15g 26a

Adam Brooks: Gone to Habs,


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 6g 31a

Travis Dermott: 5g 22a

Justin Holl: 7g 31a

Timothy Liljegren: 2g 21a

Jake Muzzin: 10g 41a

Morgan Rielly: 14g 44a

Rasmus Sandin: 12g 33a

Brennan Menell: 2g 12a


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 28 wins

Petr Mrazek: 22 wins

Joseph Woll: AHL

Michael Hutchinson: AHL

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The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Lightning, Toronto, Boston

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Canes, Pit, Caps

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Avs, Jets, Stars

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Vegas, Oilers, Flames

Last place team overall: Buffalo

Most surprising team: Habs, how bad they are.

Most disappointing team: Habs, How bad they are.

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart whinner: McDavid

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Spencer Knight

Vezina winner: Vas

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Avs

Eastern Conference winner: Lightning

Stanley Cup winner: Avs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: MacKinnon

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The Leafs will finish: 3rd in the Atlantic

The main reason for this is: The Top 9 forward group

The biggest surprise will be: Nick Ritchie

The biggest disappointment will be: Kase

The unsung hero will be: William Nylander

The goat will be: Engvall

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Simmonds, Father time

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Bunting

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: letting Anderson walk

If I was GM, I would have: Stayed the course and finding some grinders / heavy playing players

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs:
Will make it out of the first round by winning a game 7 in OT!!!! on a Bunting goal assisted by JT & WN

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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 50g,41a

John Tavares: 38g,44a

Mitch Marner: 28g,65a

Willie Nylander 33g,30a

Alex Kerfoot: 14g,20a

Jason Spezza: 9g,16a

Michael Bunting: 22g,18a

Nick Ritchie: 29g,32a

David Kampf: 8g,12a

Ondrej Kase: 15g,15a

Ilya Mikheyev 4g,8a - * due to hand injury

Wayne Simmonds 6g,12a

Kirill Semyonov:

Pierre Engvall: 11g,15a

Adam Brooks: 5g,6a now Habs via waiver 11-10-21


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 7g,26a

Travis Dermott: 2g,7a is traded

Justin Holl: 4g,10a

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake Muzzin: 7g,20a

Morgan Rielly: 15g,34a

Rasmus Sandin: 13g,17a

Brennan Menell:


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 19-14-3

Petr Mrazek 20-14-2

Joseph Woll: doesn't sniff any playing time

Michael Hutchinson: plays 8 games due injuries 4-4-0

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The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): TB, Florida, Toronto

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): NY Rangers, Pittsburgh, Carolina

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Minnesota, Chicago

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Edmonton, LA, Vegas

Last place team overall: Arizona

Most surprising team: Ottawa / Seattle

Most disappointing team: Boston

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: MacKinnon

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: someone will win it

Vezina winner: Keumper or Vasilevskiy

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Colorado

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: John Tavares

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the Atlantic

The main reason for this is: Tampa gonna Tampa

The biggest surprise will be: Timmy Liljegren

The biggest disappointment will be: Wayne Simmonds

The unsung hero will be: Mrazek

The goat will be: Mikheyev

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Mikheyev, he's fast but can't score

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Kase, he will stay healthy and score 15 goals.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Sign Ritchie

If I was GM, I would have: Traded Rielly.. I know I can't re-sign him

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: They will finally win a playoff round


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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 58 G, 41 A

John Tavares: 32 G, 47 A

Mitch Marner: 25 G, 62 A

Willie Nylander 33 G, 28 A

Alex Kerfoot: 12 G, 25 A

Jason Spezza: 11 G, 19 A

Michael Bunting: 14 G, 18 A

Nick Ritchie: 20 G, 16 A

David Kampf: 8 G, 18 A

Ondrej Kase: 15 G, 12 A

Ilya Mikheyev 9 A, 21 A

Wayne Simmonds 7 G, 8 A

Kirill Semyonov: 0/0/0

Pierre Engvall: 11 G, 15 A

Adam Brooks: 3 G, 7 A


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 2 G, 24 A

Travis Dermott: 4 G, 16 A

Justin Holl: 3 G, 15 A

Timothy Liljegren: 5 G, 19 A

Jake Muzzin: 8 G, 30 A

Morgan Rielly: 11 G, 41 A

Rasmus Sandin: 5 G, 25 A

Brennan Menell: 0 G, 1 A


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 32 wins, .915save %.. 2.35 GAA

Petr Mrazek 16 wins, .911 save %.. 2.50 GAA

Joseph Woll: 0/0/0

Michael Hutchinson: 3 wins, .900 save%.. 2.85 GAA

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The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): TB, TOR, FLA

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): WASH, CAR, PITT

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): COL, MINN, WPG

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): LV, EDM, CAL

Last place team overall: BUFF

Most surprising team: FLORIDA

Most disappointing team: BUFF

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McDavid

Norris winner: Cale Makar

Calder winner: Zegras

Vezina winner: Hellebuyck

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: COL

Eastern Conference winner: TOR

Stanley Cup winner: TOR (please be this year finally)

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Campbell

The Leafs will finish: 2nd

The main reason for this is: Ritchie, Bunting not pussies and JT revenge

The biggest surprise will be: Ritcie/Bunting and Nylander is going to have an epic season

The biggest disappointment will be: Campbell

The unsung hero will be: Mrazek

The goat will be: Matthews

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Engvall, cuz he sucks

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Kerfoot, stable and versatile

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Ritchie/Bunting

If I was GM, I would have: got meaner on the Defense, signed or traded Rielly

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2021-22 Leafs: Not signing Rielly, he will have a big year and be way too expensive to sign pre UFA


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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 52g, 45a

John Tavares: 38g, 33a

Mitch Marner: 25g, 64a

Willie Nylander: 40g, 41a

Alex Kerfoot: 16g, 25a

Jason Spezza: 14g, 18a

Michael Bunting: 22g, 26a

Nick Ritchie: 27g, 25a

David Kampf: 6g, 14a

Ondrej Kase:10g, 15a after 46 games then injured

Ilya Mikheyev: 18g, 14a

Wayne Simmonds: 15g, 17a

Kirill Semyonov:

Pierre Engvall: WGAF! Traded or claimed hopefully

Adam Brooks: 6g, 12a with very limited playing time


The Defence:

TJ Brodie:

Travis Dermott:

Justin Holl:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake Muzzin:

Morgan Rielly: 21g, 42a

Rasmus Sandin: 18g, 24a

Brennan Menell: 12g, 21a limited playing time


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 901 but he will get the wins we need cuz of our offense

Petr Mrazek: 939 and will ride him in the playoffs

Joseph Woll:

Michael Hutchinson:

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The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Tampa, Tor, Boston

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Last place team overall: Buffalo

Most surprising team: Seattle

Most disappointing team: Montreal

Art Ross winner:

Hart winner:

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:


Richard winner:


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Avalanche

Eastern Conference winner: Toronto

Stanley Cup winner: Avalanche, new rivalry with Toronto

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in their division

The main reason for this is: they’re a primary goal scoring team

The biggest surprise will be: Ritchie

The biggest disappointment will be: Rielly

The unsung hero will be: Sandin

The goat will be: Engvall

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Kase because his head is broken

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Engvall because he’s a steady 4th liner who can play both center and the wing allowing Spezza to do the majority of the faceoffs

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: let Hyman walk, he’ll disappoint Edmonton for his current price

If I was GM, I would have: moved Kerfoot if the coach wasn’t bumping him up to the second line

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: their top defensive pairing isn’t overwhelming


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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 65G 30A

John Tavares: 35G 30A

Mitch Marner: 25G 70A

Willie Nylander: 30G 25A

Alex Kerfoot: 10G 15A

Jason Spezza: 10G 15A

Michael Bunting: 10G 10A

Nick Ritchie: 25G 20A

David Kampf: 3G 10A

Ondrej Kase: 5G 10A

Ilya Mikheyev: 15G 20A

Wayne Simmonds: 5G 10A

Kirill Semyonov: (if he even plays) 5G 5A

Pierre Engvall: 5G 10A

Adam Brooks: (if he even plays) 2G 3A


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 5G 20A

Travis Dermott: 2G 10A

Justin Holl: 5G 15A

Timothy Liljegren: (if he even plays) 2G 10A

Jake Muzzin: 8G 30A

Morgan Rielly: 10G 25A

Rasmus Sandin: 5G 20A

Brennan Menell: (if he even plays) 0G 5A


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 35W 10L

Petr Mrazek: 25W 12L

Joseph Woll: won’t play

Michael Hutchinson: won’t play

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The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Lightning / Maple Leafs / Bruins

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Islanders / Hurricanes / Capitals

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Avalanche / Stars / Wild

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Golden Knights / Oilers / Flames

Last place team overall: Buffalo

Most surprising team: Seattle (even though they still don’t make the playoffs)

Most disappointing team: Pittsburgh

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McDavid

Norris winner: Adam Fox

Calder winner: Caufield (hate to say it)

Vezina winner: Vasilevskiy

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Golden Knights

Eastern Conference winner: Maple Leafs (have to believe it)

Stanley Cup winner: Maple Leafs (have to believe it)

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Mitch Marner

The Leafs will finish: 2nd division, 2nd conference

The main reason for this is: heavier to play against

The biggest surprise will be: Bunting

The biggest disappointment will be: Rielly

The unsung hero will be: Ritchie

The goat will be: Nylander

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Kerfoot - average at all aspects of the game.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Simmonds. Heart and grit.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Ritchie

If I was GM, I would have: trade Rielly

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: will win a playoff round.


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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 61G, 43A

John Tavares: 37G, 44A

Mitch Marner: 19G, 66A

Willie Nylander 36G, 39A

Alex Kerfoot: 8G, 16A

Jason Spezza: 13G, 19A

Michael Bunting: 21G, 14A

Nick Ritchie: 27G, 24A

David Kampf: 14G, 21A

Ondrej Kase: 11G, 13A

Ilya Mikheyev: 9G, 25A

Wayne Simmonds, 6G, 8A

Kirill Semyonov: 2G, 5A

Pierre Engvall: won't be on the team.

Adam Brooks: 6G, 9A


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 3G, 18A

Travis Dermott: 6G, 13A

Justin Holl: 4G, 22A

Timothy Liljegren: 1G, 7A

Jake Muzzin: 9, 26A

Morgan Rielly: 5G, 36A

Rasmus Sandin: 6G, 13A

Brennan Menell: 0G,2A


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 26 wins, 2.41GAA, .912 sv%

Petr Mrazek 19 wins, 2.68 GAA, .909.sv%

Joseph Woll:

Michael Hutchinson:

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The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Last place team overall:

Most surprising team: Seattle

Most disappointing team: Boston/Edmonton

Art Ross winner: Mcdavid

Hart winner: Mcdavid

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Knight

Vezina winner: Vasilevsky

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Vegas

Eastern Conference winner: Tampa

Stanley Cup winner: Vegas

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Mark Stone.

Brilliant thoughts to come...


The Leafs will finish: in a wildcard position.

The main reason for this is: Florida has improved, and Boston hasn't gotten worse.

The biggest surprise will be: Bunting. I fearlessly predict he will deliver points on the top two lines.

The biggest disappointment will be: Dermott. He will slowly slide down the depth chart, and then right off it.

The unsung hero will be: Campbell. I don't know why this guy didn't get enough credit for stabilizing the team last year. Look for him to continue to have success - and still be doubted by Leafs Nation.

The goat will be: Tavares. Leafs Nation is going to turn on him this year.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Simmonds. I don't care that he will fight 5 times this season. He can't hockey anymore. And this kills me to say - I really liked him (please note past tense).

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Nylander. It's time we got over his holdout. He's the best contract (skill/money) on the team.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: I don't think he really did anything of note in the offseason. But picking up Bunting was a great move.

If I was GM, I would have: done pretty much what Dubas did - stay the course. You can argue all day about whether this particular team has the correct makeup, but we are too far down the river to switch ships now.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: Playoffs are not guaranteed.


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PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: Will break the 50 goal barrier. Will be a top-3 forward in the league (in terms of skill, not points). Will win the Richard Trophy again.

John Tavares: I now regret the contract we game him. His point totals are going to shrink a little this year, and Leafs Nation is going to turn on him. It will not be pretty.

Mitch Marner: Enjoy your regular season, putting up top-10 points in the league. Nobody cares. Bring it to the playoffs, or else you will be traded in the offseason.

Willie Nylander I think he takes a step forward this year. Look for him to be more involved in the high traffic areas.

Alex Kerfoot: I think he's a very valuable guy to have on the roster - a jack of all trades, albeit a master of none. I just hope he can contribute a little more offence - butI doubt he does.

Jason Spezza: Give the guy more ice time! I love this guy. Will continue to make contributions on and off the ice.

Michael Bunting: I am ready to fall in love with this guy. I know almost nothing about him, but apparently he's good on the front porch at scoring. Look for him to do that a lot.

Nick Ritchie: could be replaced by just about anyone.

David Kampf: I don't know this guy from a hole in the wall.

Ondrej Kase: not a flippant answer here: I hope he doesn't get another bad concussion. But I predict he doesn't finish the season.

Ilya Mikheyev Not as good as people think he is. He's fast, with no hands. A broken wrist won't help. He's in my doghouse by the Olympic break. Maybe even sooner.

Wayne Simmonds He can't hockey anymore. He shouldn't be in the lineup.

Kirill Semyonov: I have no idea who he is.

Pierre Engvall: Won'tfinish the season with the Leafs.

Adam Brooks: Already gone.


The Defence:

Just a brief prologue: I think the Leafs' top four are much better than people - even Leafs Nation - give them credit for.

TJ Brodie: Love him. Will continue to be under-rated by the rest of the league.

Travis Dermott: Won't finish the season as a Leaf.

Justin Holl: Why do people hate this guy? Just a solid, dependable defender.

Timothy Liljegren: Look for him to bounce back and forth, as he doesn't require waivers. He won't get a full look this year.

Jake Muzzin: Despite the fact he is dead, I love this guy. Don't need him to put up numbers - just stay consistent.

Morgan Rielly: I predict he will really try to up his offensive numbers this year, at the expense of his defence. He's gone after this year. It's a shame, but we don't have the money.

Rasmus Sandin: Please, Leafs Nation, be patient. The kid will have growing pains.

Brennan Menell: I don't know who he is.


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: Under-rated. Which is funny, because I thought Leafs Nation would be calling him the best goalie in the league after last year. I predict he will continue to be great, and continue to not be fully loved by us. This is why we can't have nice things.

Petr Mrazek will be the clear backup by February, but that's not an insult.

Joseph Woll: Who?

Michael Hutchinson: Who?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Lightning, Bruins, Panthers

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Islanders, Hurricanes, Penguins

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Avalanche, Blues, Jets

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Golden Knights, Oilers, Flames

Last place team overall: The Yotes will edge out the Sabres

Most surprising team: Ottawa

Most disappointing team: Canucks

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McDavid

Norris winner: Hedman

Calder winner: Bunting

Vezina winner: Fleury

Richard winner: Awesome Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Colorado

Eastern Conference winner: NYI

Stanley Cup winner: Colorado

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: McKinnon

Edit

Greetings, Hockeybuzzers!


The Leafs will finish: 2nd

The main reason for this is: Tampa is better

The biggest surprise will be: Campbell

The biggest disappointment will be: Kase

The unsung hero will be: Muzzin

The goat will be: Dermott

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Mzarek

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Mikheyev

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: sign Ritchie

If I was GM, I would have: Signed a tough RHD

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: Will do well in the playoffs

- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 60 G 41 A

John Tavares: 42 G 32 A

Mitch Marner: 25G 78A

Willie Nylander 33G 29A

Alex Kerfoot: 15G 21A

Jason Spezza: 12G 20A

Michael Bunting: 22G 18A

Nick Ritchie: 25G 18A

David Kampf: 5G 8A

Ondrej Kase: 8G 12A

Ilya Mikheyev 10G 15A

Wayne Simmonds 12G 12A

Kirill Semyonov: meh

Pierre Engvall: 10G 12A

Adam Brooks: meh


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 10G 21 A

Travis Dermott: 2G 12A

Justin Holl: 9G 20A

Timothy Liljegren: 5G 8A

Jake Muzzin: 10G 17A

Morgan Rielly: 17G 50A

Rasmus Sandin: 8G 14A

Brennan Menell: 3G 4A


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 30 wins 3 SO 5 OTL

Petr Mrazek 16 wins 2 SO 4 OTL

Joseph Woll: 3 wins 1OTL

Michael Hutchinson: gone

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Tampa Leafs Bruins

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Canes Caps NYI

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Avs Stars Jets

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Knights Oilers Ducks

Last place team overall: Coyotes

Most surprising team: Ducks

Most disappointing team: Flames

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McKinnon

Norris winner: Hedman

Calder winner: Jamie Drysdale

Vezina winner: andrei vasilevskiy

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Avs

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Matthews
- Atomic Wedgie

The Leafs will finish: 3rd Atlantic

The main reason for this is: Florida and Tampa are better

The biggest surprise will be: Tavares will score 40+

The biggest disappointment will be: Campbell will make us wish for Freddie again.

The unsung hero will be: Bunting

The goat will be: Rielly

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Rielly. He has no clue in his own end and will be distracted by the contract status.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Kerfoot, better work ethic than most on the team

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Ritchie

If I was GM, I would have: Resigned in shame.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: Nothing has changed.


- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 54G 28A

John Tavares: 41G 33A

Mitch Marner: 26G 62A

Willie Nylander: 32G 40A

Alex Kerfoot: 5G 18A

Jason Spezza: 18G 14A

Michael Bunting: 22G 20A

Nick Ritchie: 16G 31A

David Kampf: 3G 8A

Ondrej Kase: Injured

Ilya Mikheyev 16G 21A

Wayne Simmonds 7G 11A

Kirill Semyonov: Minors

Pierre Engvall: 6G 12A

Adam Brooks: 2G 9A


The Defence:

TJ Brodie:

Travis Dermott:

Justin Holl:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake Muzzin:

Morgan Rielly: 13G 31A

Rasmus Sandin:

Brennan Menell:


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: Too terrifying to contemplate

Petr Mrazek: Slightly less terrifying

Joseph Woll: ROFL!

Michael Hutchinson: Is he still here?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Florida, Tampa, Toronto

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Carolina, NYI, NYR

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Vegas, Edmonton, Vancouver

Last place team overall: Buffalo

Most surprising team: Ottawa

Most disappointing team: Leafs

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McDavid

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Caufield

Vezina winner: Vasilevski

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Colorado

Eastern Conference winner: Florida

Stanley Cup winner: Florida

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Huberdeau

The Leafs will finish: 3rd in the conference

The main reason for this is: Tampa and either Florida or Boston will challenge for 2nd

The biggest surprise will be: Bunting, I think he's looked pretty good. Hope he turns out.

The biggest disappointment will be: playoff results maybe

The unsung hero will be: JT

The goat will be: Marner - on these boards, any small error he makes will be talked about for pages.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Holl, ya I know he's only paid "2m" but he needs others to prop him up. Hope Im wrong.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Kerfoot. People hate his 3.5m contract but he's consistently been pretty darn good for the leafs.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Let Hyman walk

If I was GM, I would have: signed Foligno (this wont be a popular opinion)

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs:

Have fun and enjoy the games. The leafs should get to the 2nd round.

- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: maybe a slow start due to surgery. 45 goals

John Tavares: 83pts

Mitch Marner: 96pts

Willie Nylander 71pts

Alex Kerfoot: 40pts

Jason Spezza: 40pts

Michael Bunting: 50pts

Dont care about the rest.
Nick Ritchie:

David Kampf:

Ondrej Kase:

Ilya Mikheyev

Wayne Simmonds

Kirill Semyonov:

Pierre Engvall:

Adam Brooks:


The Defence:

TJ Brodie:

Travis Dermott:

Justin Holl:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake Muzzin:

Morgan Rielly:

Rasmus Sandin:

Brennan Menell:


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell:67% win percentage. 27 wins if he plays only 41 games

Petr Mrazek: 60% win percentage. 25 wins if he plays 41 games

Joseph Woll: I hope we dont see him

Michael Hutchinson: Please gawd no

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Tampa, Florida, Toronto

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): NYI, Canes, Wash

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Avs, Minnie, dallas

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Vegas, Edm, ugh...vancouver I guess

Last place team overall: Yotes

Most surprising team: sens - if they sign Tkafack

Most disappointing team: Kraken

Dont care about the below.
Art Ross winner:

Hart winner:

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:

Richard winner:


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Avs

Eastern Conference winner: Im hoping the leafs but I really doubt it. So dont care

Stanley Cup winner: Im hoping the leafs but I really doubt it. So dont care

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

The Leafs will finish: 4th in division

The main reason for this is: They got worse. Matthews wrist injury.

The biggest surprise will be: Leafs fans who thought they would actually be good will be the most surprised.

The biggest disappointment will be: Finishing fourth.

The unsung hero will be: Morgan Rielly

The goat will be: Morgan Rielly

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Llijgren. He doesn't do anything particularly well.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Kampf

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Put his sweaters away for a couple months.

If I was GM, I would have: Moved either Marner or Nylander in the summer before the season; traded Morgan Rielly

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs:
They shuffled the deck chairs on the 'Titanic'....but it sank, anyway.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Thank you Atomic Wedgie for giving us the opportunity to be oh so wrong once again.

The Leafs will finish: TURD in the Atlantic

The main reason for this is: Goaltending is a question mark but they are good enough to easily surpass anyone not located in the Florida state.

The biggest surprise will be: Nylander will score 90 points.

The biggest disappointment will be: Mrazek won't be the solution in net after leaving Carolina's amazing defense.

The unsung hero will be: There are no unsung heroes in LeafsLand since everyone is hyped. I'll go with Muzzin because he's the backbone of that defense.

The goat will be: Matthews, still scary good.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Ritchie. I feel like expectations of his impact and capacity to produce on the first line are overblown. Good pickup overall but will disappoint.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Marner. I'm going with Mitch because he's a god damn local allstar who should get more respect.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Signing Ritchie to create space for his linemates and bring a physical presence. Overhyped, but still very useful.

If I was GM, I would have: Done a very similar move considering the cap space.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: They'll face more adversity in the regular season, won't look as dominating as they did last year, will come in as underdogs in their first round matchup and win a playoffs series for the first time since Twitch was invented.


- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

Ain't nobody got time for that.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Tampa, Florida, Toronto

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Carolina, Islanders, Rangers

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Vegas, Calgary, Vancouver

Last place team overall: Arizona

Most surprising team: Rangers

Most disappointing team: Pittsburgh

Art Ross winner: Connor McDavid, who else?

Hart winner: Isn't that the same thing? McDavid

Norris winner: Heiskanen

Calder winner: GOAL CAUFIELD

Vezina winner: Vezinasky

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Colorado

Eastern Conference winner: Florida

Stanley Cup winner: Florida

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Barkov

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the Division

The main reason for this is: They are a good team.

The biggest surprise will be: Kase will stay reasonably healthy and be a versatile and productive player for the team

The biggest disappointment will be: Michael Bunting.

The unsung hero will be: Nick Ritchie. Whether he's any good or not, his physical nature should make him a hero to a large number of Leaf gans

The goat will be: If it's G.O.A.T, it's Matthews; if it's goat, it's Nylander. It's always Nylander.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Kerfoot. Good skater, smart player, decent passer - softer than Willy on a hot Sundae.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Engvall. Does a lot of little things well, and he's smart with the puck. If he had a consistent role defined and consistent confidence from the coaching staff, he could carve out the niche role they expected from him when they signed him to his extension.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Sign Kampf. Small role, but we need a defined shut down line with a shut down centre who won't get suspended in the playoffs and who can win faceoffs on the PK.

If I was GM, I would have: Traded Kerfoot and signed just anyone else who could play wing/centre that was cheaper (reclamation projects like Stepan or Johansson; or a more versatile guy like Haula come to mind).

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: This team has the role definition to take a step forward in the playoffs. They may not have the franchise type defense or goaltending to get it done, but they have the team to win at least 2 rounds.


- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 75GP, 50G, 37A

John Tavares: 79GP, 35G, 42A

Mitch Marner: 77GP, 24G, 65A

Willie Nylander: 69GP, 21G, 29A

Alex Kerfoot: 78GP, 12G, 24A

Jason Spezza: 74GP, 11G, 22A

Michael Bunting: 65GP, 18G, 10A

Nick Ritchie: 66GP, 13G, 18A

David Kampf: 75GP, 5G, 14A

Ondrej Kase: 66GP, 15G, 14A

Ilya Mikheyev: 52GP, 8G, 15A

Wayne Simmonds: 71GP, 12G, 11A

Kirill Semyonov: 15GP, 1G, 4A

Pierre Engvall: 58GP, 10G, 8A

Adam Brooks: n/a


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 78GP, 5G, 20A

Travis Dermott: 68GP, 4G, 9A

Justin Holl: 57GP, 1G, 12A

Timothy Liljegren: 37GP, 2G, 9A

Jake Muzzin: 73GP, 7G, 27A

Morgan Rielly: 72GP, 10G, 41A

Rasmus Sandin: 72GP, 2G, 24A

Brennan Menell: 16GP, 1G, 8A


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 41GP, 26-11-4

Petr Mrazek: 32GP, 19-10-3

Joseph Woll: n/a

Michael Hutchinson: 9GP, 4-4-1

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Tampa, Toronto, Boston

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Carolina, Washington, NYI

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Winnipeg, Dallas

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Vegas, Edmonton, Vancouver

Last place team overall: Arizona

Most surprising team: Los Angeles

Most disappointing team: Philadelphia

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McDavid

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Zegras

Vezina winner: Vasilevskiy

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Colorado

Eastern Conference winner: Toronto

Stanley Cup winner: Colorado

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: MacKinnon

Just 1 prediction for me

Stanley Cup winner: Not the Leafs

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in division

The main reason for this is: The lightning finish 1st.

The biggest surprise will be: Campbell

The biggest disappointment will be: Sandin (Please be wrong)

The unsung hero will be: Muzzin.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Holl

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Hopefully Bunting.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: Am I posting to the wrong thread? This is 2021-2022 year.

Powerplay over 20% = Stanley cup.

- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: first 50 goal 50 assist season.

John Tavares: PPG.

Mitch Marner: Finally cracks 100 points.

Willie Nylander 30/30

Alex Kerfoot: Depends how used. Offensive numbers will be poop if he is on a shutdown line with Kampf.

Jason Spezza: 15/25 40 points.

Michael Bunting: Please atleast 20/20

Nick Ritchie: 50 points if he is in top 6 all year.

David Kampf: No idea. 10/15 for 25 points?

Ondrej Kase: Also depends on role. hard to score if Kampf is his center.

Ilya Mikheyev Out of patience with the latest injury. Trade him, keep him, waive him. Doesn't matter.

Adam Brooks: Thought he would make it through waivers...


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: Steady

Travis Dermott: Similar feelings as Mikheyev. Patience is basically gone. Not excited to see him play.

Justin Holl: Hope he can hold up.

Timothy Liljegren: Please be better than Dermott.

Jake Muzzin: Most valuable defenseman. We crumble without him.

Morgan Rielly: Contract year. I predict a meh season. (And yes, I still think he wouldn't take less than 7.5 million on a Long term deal right now)

Rasmus Sandin: Please, please be good.

Brennan Menell: Only if we are truly desperate.


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: Full year starter. The player I want to see succeed most.

Petr Mrazek Hopefully good in a backup role.

Joseph Woll: Lol.

Michael Hutchinson: The new Marincin. Nobody like him, but he won't go away.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Last place team overall: Has to be Arizona. Maybe Buffalo.

Stanley Cup winner: I just drank a (frank) ton of blue koolaid. Leafs to win the Cup 2022.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Campbell.

The Leafs will finish: 1st

The main reason for this is:

The biggest surprise will be:

The biggest disappointment will be:

The unsung hero will be:

The goat will be:

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was:

If I was GM, I would have: Created more cap space.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs:

- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 58 goals

John Tavares:

Mitch Marner: 100 2nd assists

Willie Nylander: 30/40-70

Alex Kerfoot:

Jason Spezza:

Michael Bunting:

Nick Ritchie:

David Kampf:

Ondrej Kase:

Ilya Mikheyev:

Wayne Simmonds

Kirill Semyonov:

Pierre Engvall:

Adam Brooks:


The Defence:

TJ Brodie:

Travis Dermott:

Justin Holl:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake Muzzin:

Morgan Rielly:

Rasmus Sandin:

Brennan Menell:


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell:

Petr Mrazek

Joseph Woll:

Michael Hutchinson:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Leafs, Florida, Tampa.

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Rangers, Isles, Canes.

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Last place team overall: Buffalol

Most surprising team: Rangers

Most disappointing team: Booins

Art Ross winner: McD

Hart winner: McD

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Zegras

Vezina winner: Shesterkin

Richard winner: Papi


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Avs

Eastern Conference winner: Rangers

Stanley Cup winner: Rangers

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Kaapo Kakko

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the east

The main reason for this is: I'm biased and I think they're the best but I also need to temper my expectations

The biggest surprise will be: Bunting

The biggest disappointment will be: Ritchie

The unsung hero will be: Muzzin

The goat will be: Matthews

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Ritchie - Big, slow and ugly

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Nylander - because his defensive play is underrated, he can score, he's a year older, he's practicing on the PK, and he showed up in the playoffs.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Move away from Andersen

If I was GM, I would have: Not waived Brooks over Amadio

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: Is this the year they show a little bit more? I've said in the past they were missing something but I have a funny feeling about this year, that I won't be as crushingly disappointed.


- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 59g/32a

John Tavares: 26g/48a

Mitch Marner: 35g/62a

Willie Nylander: 31g/32a

Alex Kerfoot: 12g/20a

Jason Spezza: 18g/21a

Michael Bunting: 25g/10a

Nick Ritchie: 11g/9a

David Kampf: 5g/14a

Ondrej Kase: 16g/20a

Ilya Mikheyev: 5g/15a

Wayne Simmonds: 3g/8a

Kirill Semyonov: who?

Pierre Engvall: 7g/18a

Adam Brooks: 21g/48a (with the laval rocket)


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 2g/15a

Travis Dermott: 1g/9a

Justin Holl:5g/21a

Timothy Liljegren: 2g/3a

Jake Muzzin: 8g/31a

Morgan Rielly: 12g/52a

Rasmus Sandin: 4g/15a

Brennan Menell:


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 21w .911 2.45

Petr Mrazek: 29w .918 2.33

Joseph Woll: sucks

Michael Hutchinson: sucks

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):
Bruins
Leafs
Lightning

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):
Caps
Isles
Canes


Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):
Avs
Blues
Hawks

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):
VGK
Oilers
Flames

Last place team overall:
Sabres

Most surprising team:
Devils

Most disappointing team:
Stars

Art Ross winner:
McDavid

Hart winner:
McDavid

Norris winner:
Chabot

Calder winner:
Swayman

Vezina winner:
Samsonov

Richard winner:
Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: VGK

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Am I doing it? I'm doing it....

Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

Nylander

DO NOT MOCK OTHER GUYS' PREDICTIONS IN THIS THREAD!

So without further ado...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the Atlantic

The main reason for this is: the goalies

The biggest surprise will be: Bunting

The biggest disappointment will be: Simmonds

The unsung hero will be: Nylander

The goat will be: Dermott

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Kase due his injury history

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Bunting playing the "Greasy Rat" role ala Marchand

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: not an easy job to do letting your own rentals go

If I was GM, I would have: trade Nylander for a D to replace Rielly

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs:

The Leafs will make it out the first round this year.

- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 53g/33a

John Tavares: 35g/40a

Mitch Marner: 28g/68a

Willie Nylander 33g/40a

Alex Kerfoot: 17g/22a

Jason Spezza: 8g/14a

Michael Bunting: 25g/20a

Nick Ritchie: 31g/20a

David Kampf: 10g/12a

Ondrej Kase: 13g/20a

Ilya Mikheyev 6g/9a

Wayne Simmonds 7g/10a

Kirill Semyonov:

Pierre Engvall: 12g/17a

Adam Brooks:


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 10a/26a

Travis Dermott: 4g/9a

Justin Holl: 6g/10a

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake Muzzin: 8g/13a

Morgan Rielly: 18g/27a

Rasmus Sandin: 13g/20a

Brennan Menell:


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: 18W-10L-5OTL

Petr Mrazek 20W-12L-3OTL

Joseph Woll:

Michael Hutchinson: 7W-3L-4OTL

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Florida, Toronto, Boston

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): New York Ranger, Pittsburgh, Carolina

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Winnipeg, Dallas

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Edmonton, Vegas, Vancouver

Last place team overall: tie between Buffalo and Arizona

Most surprising team: Seattle

Most disappointing team: Dallas

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McDavid

Norris winner: MAkar

Calder winner:

Vezina winner: Shesterkin

Richard winner: Matthews


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Colorado

Eastern Conference winner: NY Rangers

Stanley Cup winner: Colorado

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Keumper

The Leafs will finish: 3rd in the division.

The main reason for this is: It's a 4 horse race between Boston, Florida, Tampa, and Toronto. I'm taking a shot in the dark.

The biggest surprise will be: Finding a new way to lose. Also Kase staying healthy.

The biggest disappointment will be: Losing in the first round of the playoffs. Again. (I don't think this would happen if the Leafs were in any other division. They're a really good team.)

The unsung hero will be:Muzzin/Holl pairing. Maybe Kampf saving the PK.

The goat will be: Marner. The poor guy is under a very unfair microscope.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): I dunno. Sandin might be overrated by some. There's going to be more defensive growing pains with him than with Liljegren. But you can't sit either one every time they make a gaffe. Let the rookies grow.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): There's a case here for all of Engvall, Kerfoot, and Holl.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was: Let Hyman walk.

If I was GM, I would have: Traded Dermott for a solid, dependable vet D to rotate with the two rookies.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs: At least we have Matthews.

- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews: 46G 89P

John Tavares: 30G 75P

Mitch Marner: 22G 90P

Willie Nylander 28G 70P

Alex Kerfoot: 12G 33P

Jason Spezza: 10G 21P

Michael Bunting: 13G 30P

Nick Ritchie: 21G 46P

David Kampf: 3G 10P

Ondrej Kase: 9G 25P

Ilya Mikheyev Dead

Wayne Simmonds Dead

Kirill Semyonov: Who?

Pierre Engvall: 11G 26P

Adam Brooks: Dead to us.


The Defence:

TJ Brodie: 25P +22

Travis Dermott: 16P -2927179

Justin Holl: 15P +16

Timothy Liljegren: 20P +10

Jake Muzzin:21P +19

Morgan Rielly: 35P +25

Rasmus Sandin: 30P +2


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell: .912 sv% and establishes himself as a true #1. I really think he can.

Petr Mrazek .908 sv%. Will get starts and be good.

Joseph Woll: Nope

Michael Hutchinson: 3 games, wins 2.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Tampa, Florida, Toronto

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Washington, Pitts, NYI

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Jets, Stars

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Vegas, Edmonton, LA.

Last place team overall: Buffalo

Most surprising team: Los Angeles.

Most disappointing team: Canucks

Art Ross winner: Mcdavid

Hart winner: McDavid

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Bunting. Heehee

Vezina winner: Vasi

Richard winner: McDavid


Playoffs:



Western Conference winner: Vegas

Eastern Conference winner: Tampa

Stanley Cup winner: Vegas

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Pietrangelo

Greetings, Hockeybuzzers!



The Leafs will finish:
3rd in the Atlantic
The main reason for this is:
D will be about the same, maybe better as Sandin improves over course of season. Goalie combo will be an improvement and forwards will be about the same. We’ll see lots of experimentation - focus will not be on regular season standings but playoff prep.
The biggest surprise will be:
Lines will be fairly even. 2nd line scoring won’t be that far off
The biggest disappointment will be:
Goal song will get so boring
The unsung hero will be:
Kampf/Brodie
The goat will be:
Sandin or Lilli or Dermott will make a critical mistake at a critical time
People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):
A bunch of guys are kind of just ok and everyone knows they’re just ok except there’s someone who falls in love with one of them - Engvall, Mik, etc
People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):
Holl
The best move Dubas did in the off-season was:
A bunch of low cost forwards. I think the peak performance guy who’s worked with Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, etc might prove to be helpful
If I was GM, I would have:
Moved out a bit more $ upfront.
If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs:

Where they finish isn’t as important as how they prepare. “It’s the friends we make along the way”
- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews:
55-60 goals
John Tavares:
28 goals
Mitch Marner:
Top 5 or 6 in scoring. Big year from Mitch
Willie Nylander
30 goals
Alex Kerfoot:

Jason Spezza:

Michael Bunting:
20 goals
Nick Ritchie:
20 goals
David Kampf:

Ondrej Kase:
15 goals
Ilya Mikheyev

Wayne Simmonds

Kirill Semyonov:

Pierre Engvall:

Adam Brooks:

Best player on the Habs
The Defence:

TJ Brodie:
Everyone forgets he plays for the Leafs
Travis Dermott:

Justin Holl:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake Muzzin:
Max has taken out big insurance policy
Morgan Rielly:
35 assists
Rasmus Sandin:
Becomes a guy this year
Brennan Menell:


The Goalies:

Jack Campbell:

Petr Mrazek

Joseph Woll:

Michael Hutchinson:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):
TB, Tor/Fla
Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):
Wash, Pit, NYI
Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):
Col
Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):
Vegas, Edm, LA
Last place team overall:
Sabres
Most surprising team:
Kings
Most disappointing team:
Van
Art Ross winner:
Jesus
Hart winner:
Jesus
Norris winner:
Hedman
Calder winner:
Makar (robbed from Bunting)
Vezina winner:
Vasilgreasy
Richard winner:
Auston Bieber
Playoffs:



Western Conference winner:
Colorado - this time for sure
Eastern Conference winner:
The Toronto Maple Leafs
Stanley Cup winner:
The Toronto Maple Leafs
Conn Smythe Trophy winner:
Morgan Rielly

The Leafs will finish:

3rd in the Atlantic, 99 points.

The main reason for this is:

Tampa Bay and Florida are better.

The biggest surprise will be:

Rielly. UFA year.

The biggest disappointment will be:

Campbell. Not a starter.

The unsung hero will be:

Kampf.

The goat will be:

Kerfoot. Absolutely sucks.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

Mrazek. There's a good reason Carolina dumped him.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

Holl. Has all the tools but is in a role that's above his ability.

The best move Dubas did in the off-season was:

Nothing.

If I was GM, I would have:

Fired Keefe, traded a big contract and acquired a legit defender. Signed or acquired better goaltending.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2020-21 Leafs:

Lots of goals for, lots of goals against and no results.
- - - - - - - - - - -

PLAYER PREDICTIONS

The Forwards:

Auston Matthews:

55 goals, 90 points.

John Tavares:

32 goals, 76 points.

Mitch Marner:

25 goals, 97 points.

Willie Nylander

26 goals, 65 points.

Alex Kerfoot:

10 goals, 30 points.

Jason Spezza:

10 goals, 25 points.

Michael Bunting:

15 goals, 30 points.

Nick Ritchie:

15 goals, 30 points.

David Kampf:

3 goals, 14 points.

Ondrej Kase:

12 goals, 23 points.

Ilya Mikheyev

9 goals, 19 points.

Wayne Simmonds

7 goals, 15 points.

Kirill Semyonov:



Pierre Engvall:

9 goals, 18 points.

Adam Brooks:



The Defence:

TJ Brodie:

2 goals, 19 points.

Travis Dermott:

4 goals, 24 points.

Justin Holl:

4 goals, 27 points.

Timothy Liljegren:



Jake Muzzin:

5 goals, 31 points.

Morgan Rielly:

14 goals, 65 points.

Rasmus Sandin:

6 goals, 29 points.

Brennan Menell:



The Goalies:

Jack Campbell:

25W, 2.55 GAA, .915 SV%

Petr Mrazek

19W, 2.65 GAA, .910 SV%

Joseph Woll:

AHL.

Michael Hutchinson:

Sucks.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The League:

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):

Lightning, Panthers, Leafs.

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Hurricanes, Islanders, Capitals

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Avalanche, Winnipeg, St. Louis

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Golden Knights, Oilers, Canucks

Last place team overall:

Sabres.

Most surprising team:

Blackhawks.

Most disappointing team:

Wild.

Art Ross winner:

McDavid

Hart winner:

McDavid

Norris winner:

Hedman

Calder winner:

Byram

Vezina winner:

Vasilevskiy

Richard winner:

Matthews

Playoffs:


Western Conference winner:

Avalanche.

Eastern Conference winner:

Lightning.

Stanley Cup winner:

Lightning.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

Kucherov.