As a fan what is your "Realistic" expectation for next season? What you want?

[PromisedLand]

Blind optimism and realistic expectations while being optimistic are two different things.

- Expecting Murray/Samsonov tandem to put up good to great numbers with no recent history to back that up; while depth scoring leaves much to be desired especially in the playoffs as top6 can get shut down in elimination games is what I'd describe as blind optimism.

If it does happen thats great. if it doesn't then what? Being cautiously optimistic is one thing but most of the folks here think that dubas has hit it out of the park. I am still pretty steamed about Dubas/Shanny presser and Keefe's presser + "respect" in handshake comment.

It amazes me that people are still buying what this management is selling...

 

[Gary Nylund]

If it does happen thats great. if it doesn't then what? Being cautiously optimistic is one thing but most of the folks here think that dubas has hit it out of the park. I am still pretty steamed about Dubas/Shanny presser and Keefe's presser + "respect" in handshake comment.

It amazes me that people are still buying what this management is selling...

LOL wut? Not sure what posts you're reading but my impression is that most people want Dubas fired.

Pressers/respect/handshake and all that is incredibly annoying and frustrating to see/read, I agree 100%. That said, this is still one of the favourites to win the cup so that's what I'm hoping for. COL is the clear favourite but I see no reason this team can't make the finals and if they play their asses off and lose to COL, I can't complain.

Not saying I expect that to happen, anyone can win/lose in any given round so expectations are pointless. We have as good a shot as anyone in the East to make the finals so like I said, that's what I'm hoping for. And if they do, I guess I can forgive the idiotic comments our brass made at the end of the season though they really should know better at this point. Maybe they should hire someone to teach these idiots how to address the media listening to them talk is quite embarrassing at times.

 

[HolyCrap]

Blind optimism and realistic expectations while being optimistic are two different things.

- Expecting Murray/Samsonov tandem to put up good to great numbers with no recent history to back that up; while depth scoring leaves much to be desired especially in the playoffs as top6 can get shut down in elimination games is what I'd describe as blind optimism.

If it does happen thats great. if it doesn't then what? Being cautiously optimistic is one thing but most of the folks here think that dubas has hit it out of the park. I am still pretty steamed about Dubas/Shanny presser and Keefe's presser + "respect" in handshake comment.

It amazes me that people are still buying what this management is selling...

I’m pretty much in the same state of mind with you. I’m gonna expect the worse and be surprised with anything past a first round win.

 

[LeafEgo]

LOL wut? Not sure what posts you're reading but my impression is that most people want Dubas fired.

Pressers/respect/handshake and all that is incredibly annoying and frustrating to see/read, I agree 100%. That said, this is still one of the favourites to win the cup so that's what I'm hoping for. COL is the clear favourite but I see no reason this team can't make the finals and if they play their asses off and lose to COL, I can't complain.

Not saying I expect that to happen, anyone can win/lose in any given round so expectations are pointless. We have as good a shot as anyone in the East to make the finals so like I said, that's what I'm hoping for. And if they do, I guess I can forgive the idiotic comments our brass made at the end of the season though they really should know better at this point. Maybe they should hire someone to teach these idiots how to address the media listening to them talk is quite embarrassing at times.

I wouldn't be so quick to write it off as some silly things said at the end of the year - have to wonder if it goes deeper than that. And there appears to be a pattern re playoff performance, contract negotiations/issues, unorthodox team building, etc.

If you compare the Amazon series to some of the older 24/7 shows, it felt like the Leafs management and culture is not at the same level of professionalism. Just my opinion.

In sports talent can prevail sure, and Leafs have a lot of it, and we might win on some gambles, but to me alarm bells are ringing and we need to tighten up the management core to give us a better shot.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

Is it realistic to think that TOR will be looking for another goalie in Nov./Dec.?

More realism:

Dubas will have to sign/bring someone through waivers in which other teams will pluck just for fun.

 

[notDatsyuk]

The goalie and defense situation has been and will continue to be an ongoing problem. Given how top-heavy their forward group is in terms of the cap situation and production I think this year we will see their goalie and defensive situation take a step back as teams like Ottawa prove to be more competitive and start nipping on the heels of the 3 spot in the division.

I think Toronto will struggle to get into a playoff spot due to their goals against taking more of a hit this year and other teams in the conference doing a better job of figuring out how to shut down players like Matthews and Marner.

I think that once again the offence will score enough for a successful regular season, but the imbalance will again be exposed in the playoffs.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I wouldn't be so quick to write it off as some silly things said at the end of the year - have to wonder if it goes deeper than that. And there appears to be a pattern re playoff performance, contract negotiations/issues, unorthodox team building, etc.

If you compare the Amazon series to some of the older 24/7 shows, it felt like the Leafs management and culture is not at the same level of professionalism. Just my opinion.

In sports talent can prevail sure, and Leafs have a lot of it, and we might win on some gambles, but to me alarm bells are ringing and we need to tighten up the management core to give us a better shot.

I'm don't see the pattern or how some dumb comments to the press fit the pattern. I haven't watched any of the shows so I can't comment on that. The culture might be an issue, I'm not in a position to say one way or the other but it's a troublesome thought for sure.

 

[ChickenMcNugget]

LOL wut? Not sure what posts you're reading but my impression is that most people want Dubas fired.

Pressers/respect/handshake and all that is incredibly annoying and frustrating to see/read, I agree 100%. That said, this is still one of the favourites to win the cup so that's what I'm hoping for. COL is the clear favourite but I see no reason this team can't make the finals and if they play their asses off and lose to COL, I can't complain.

Not saying I expect that to happen, anyone can win/lose in any given round so expectations are pointless. We have as good a shot as anyone in the East to make the finals so like I said, that's what I'm hoping for. And if they do, I guess I can forgive the idiotic comments our brass made at the end of the season though they really should know better at this point. Maybe they should hire someone to teach these idiots how to address the media listening to them talk is quite embarrassing at times.

My man how is Toronto one of the favorites when then they have had 0 playoff success for 6 straight years. I dont understand how people expect them to make the finals when they cant even get 4 wins and downgrade on goalies at every oppurtunity.

 

[Gary Nylund]

My man how is Toronto one of the favorites when then they have had 0 playoff success for 6 straight years. I dont understand how people expect them to make the finals when they cant even get 4 wins and downgrade on goalies at every oppurtunity.

They're one of the favourites because they're one of the best teams, and because the past doesn't dictate the future.

I don't "expect" them to make the finals which is why I said this:

"Not saying I expect that to happen, anyone can win/lose in any given round so expectations are pointless."


I also said this:

We have as good a shot as anyone in the East to make the finals so like I said, that's what I'm hoping for.

And I think that's reasonable.


As far as downgrading on goalies goes, it's far from clear what our goaltending is going to look like this season but it was pretty terrible last season so predicting our goaltending will be better than it was last season, seems like a relatively safe bet.

 

[ChickenMcNugget]

They're one of the favourites because they're one of the best teams, and because the past doesn't dictate the future.

I don't "expect" them to make the finals which is why I said this:

"Not saying I expect that to happen, anyone can win/lose in any given round so expectations are pointless."


I also said this:

We have as good a shot as anyone in the East to make the finals so like I said, that's what I'm hoping for.

And I think that's reasonable.


As far as downgrading on goalies goes, it's far from clear what our goaltending is going to look like this season but it was pretty terrible last season so predicting our goaltending will be better than it was last season, seems like a relatively safe bet.

Its reasonable to assume that if its stated that they are good enough to make the finals than they are expected to make the finals or atleast come close to it. Otherwise it doesnt make sense, every team can potentially make the finals. Similarly, if its stated that its possible for a team to win the lottery than its reasonable to assume that its not expected for them to win the cup. I could be mistaken but that is how i think.

I would disagree with you about the past dictating the future. The past is by far the best way to forecast the future. From past results, we know that Matthews will likely put up huge goals, McDavid will likely put up huge points. Tampa will likely make a deep playoff push. Of course there is room for deviations but those events are unlikely.

I'm interested to see what you use to predict future outcomes.

 

[ULF_55]

Expectation:

They'll make the playoffs.​

Goaltender will be better or worse.​

They'll find a LW for the 2nd. line.​

​

Want:

A couple prospects make the team.​

Win the Cup.​

​

Excitement Level:

Whatever, there's always next year.​

​

Based On:

History, they're a talented team, but not thrilled with their leadership on ice or behind bench.​

If they can't win one round perhaps there should be major changes in the Top Players of line-up and off-ice.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Its reasonable to assume that if its stated that they are good enough to make the finals than they are expected to make the finals or atleast come close to it. Otherwise it doesnt make sense, every team can potentially make the finals. Similarly, if its stated that its possible for a team to win the lottery than its reasonable to assume that its not expected for them to win the cup. I could be mistaken but that is how i think.

I would disagree with you about the past dictating the future. The past is by far the best way to forecast the future. From past results, we know that Matthews will likely put up huge goals, McDavid will likely put up huge points. Tampa will likely make a deep playoff push. Of course there is room for deviations but those events are unlikely.

I'm interested to see what you use to predict future outcomes.

Well, every team that makes the playoffs can make the finals and sometimes the favourites don't make it and instead, some team nobody thought would get there goes and does it (see MTL for a recent example).

As far as what I use to predict future outcomes - I almost never make predictions is the simple answer. I have successfully wagered tens of thousands of dollars on sporting events but that doesn't mean I predict anything, it just means that I have been able to do a good job balancing risk vs reward which mean that I often lose but I come out ahead in the long run.

As far as winning the cup next season, the bookies all agree (they usually do) that COL is the #1 favourite. After that, the betting lines vary from site to site as far as the exact order goes but I believe they all agree that the next tier of contenders includes 4 teams (TOR, CAR, FLA and TB). At least that's the way every site I've looked at has is - COL is #1 and those are the next 4 teams.

So according to that, Toronto is among the top 5 cup contenders and that seems about right to me. If you think some other teams have a better shot like NY, EDM, PIT or whoever else that's fine but I'd take the Leafs over any of those teams myself.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Expectation:

They'll make the playoffs.​

Goaltender will be better or worse.​

They'll find a LW for the 2nd. line.​

​

Want:

A couple prospects make the team.​

Win the Cup.​

​

Excitement Level:

Whatever, there's always next year.​

​

Based On:

History, they're a talented team, but not thrilled with their leadership on ice or behind bench.​

If they can't win one round perhaps there should be major changes in the Top Players of line-up and off-ice.

Pretty much same. Not really thrilled with the leadership up top, behind the bench, and on the ice. I will probably watch more Raptors games this season than Leafs games. At least Raps management knows what they are doing, the coach is competent, and the players are not entitled primadonnas who are buddy buddy with the GM

 

[Gary Nylund]

Pretty much same. Not really thrilled with the leadership up top, behind the bench, and on the ice. I will probably watch more Raptors games this season than Leafs games. At least Raps management knows what they are doing, the coach is competent, and the players are not entitled primadonnas who are buddy buddy with the GM

The Raps are basically a model franchise. And yeah I definitely would be a lot happier if the Leafs brass exuded professionalism the way the Raps brass does. I keep telling myself that interviews don't matter, what happens on the ice is what counts but as long as we keep losing in the playoffs, that's obviously no consolation and it's no wonder that people have concerns about our management group.

 

[Guy Boucher]

I simultaneously believe that:

1) The team is weaker than last year
2) They probably win the division

 

[Beaumaris]

They're one of the favourites because they're one of the best teams, and because the past doesn't dictate the future.

I don't "expect" them to make the finals which is why I said this:

"Not saying I expect that to happen, anyone can win/lose in any given round so expectations are pointless."


I also said this:

We have as good a shot as anyone in the East to make the finals so like I said, that's what I'm hoping for.

And I think that's reasonable.


As far as downgrading on goalies goes, it's far from clear what our goaltending is going to look like this season but it was pretty terrible last season so predicting our goaltending will be better than it was last season, seems like a relatively safe bet.

The past doesn’t dictate the future,you say.
Except where the Leafs are concerned.

 

[HoweHullOrr]

My goals from the most desirable to least are:

1. Win Cup
2. Play in the Stanley Cup finals & win at least 2 games
3. Eastern Conference finals and take it to 7 games

Everything else other than above would be either failure or just underwhelming. Just look at our abysmal playoff record since the CBA was introduced. For a team that has the money we do, nothing less than what is described should be expected.

 

[bicboi64]

Sens fan here, guys like Karlsson were able to carry our team to the ECF. McDavid and Drai carried the Oil to the WCF, I think Matthews is the calibre of player that can carry a team as well. Given the current core, age, contracts ,etc... expectations have to be ECF at the worst imo

 

[Knies iT]

Early to say. Likely another 1st rd exit and possibly a regression based on the field of available goalies (first time i've said this with this core) and decline of Muzzin/JT/TJ/Spezza retirement/etc.

My demands to change that (22-23):

- Revamped 4th line; energy, speed, tenacity
- 1x middle six forward with significant size and physicality that can actually play/produce with talent
- Medium-long term starter solution with either a) upside, or b) proven track record of being a high-end starter
- Promote and rely on Robertson/Liljegren in permanent roles and don't scratch them for garbage

23-24:

- A major two-way D acquisition as Muzzin/Brodie/Giordano start to age out. LD is talked about as a log jam but as soon as next year there will be an immediate need for a prime aged solution. Sandin and Rielly cannot be your top 4 LD anchors together. There is no LD in the pipeline that projects to solve this long-term need.

So they partially checked one box for me this summer with Samsonov. NAK somewhat contributes to the 4th line problem but not enough.

Therefore pretty pessimistic about where we stand, hoping to be wrong.

Best case scenario for this season, IMO, is Samsonov stepping in when Murray inevitably gets injured and proves he can handle a starters load with a .910sv%+. In that case, hopefully Murray shows he is a passable starter (when healthy) and can be flipped at season's end for free so that 1) Murray's money goes to Samsonov, and 2) Muzzin's money goes to Bunting.

Likely looking at another Mrazek esque dump unless Murray has his best season since 2018. Samsonov is our signing of the off-season so in a best case scenario it would be worth it long-term.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

This team I think is capable of winning the division, mostly because of steps back I think the likes of Florida and Tampa have taken. Boston is a wildcard to be a contender for the division depending on how well Krejci plays after playing a year in Europe.

Leafs biggest question mark is of course in net. If Murray and Samsonov can collectively give us better goaltending than we got from Campbell and Mrazek I think we're good. Granted, that's a low bar to clear, but it's a testament to how well the rest of the team played when Jack and Petr were shitting their pants in net.

Defence is older but better compared to the start of last year, with the addition of Giordano and progress of Liljegren. If Sandin gets his head out of his ass we'll be sitting pretty. Up front the losses of Mikheyev, Kase, and Spezza shouldn't impact the team too much. Jarnkrok and Kubel will help, and hopefully players like Robertson, Anderson, and Douglas can step up this year. Still not sure what's going to happen to Kerfoot given where we are with the cap.

Far as playoffs go that’s the million dollar question. Think this team has the talent to go on a deep run but who knows at this point.

 

[Fogelhund]

The good news is, the EA Sports curse hasn't been bestowed upon this team this year, with Zegras and Sarah Nurse being the cover athletes this year. This surely guarantees at least one round win.

 

[andora]

The good news is, the EA Sports curse hasn't been bestowed upon this team this year, with Zegras and Sarah Nurse being the cover athletes this year. This surely guarantees at least one round win.

View attachment 579242

Yeah but what is murray rated

 

[Fogelhund]

Yeah but what is murray rated

I think the probability of him ever being on the cover, is slim to none... but if he does appear one day, you'd think that was a positive for us...

 

[Gary Nylund]

I think the probability of him ever being on the cover, is slim to none... but if he does appear one day, you'd think that was a positive for us...

If he wins the Conn Smythe this season, that would be cover worthy.

 

[Fogelhund]

If he wins the Conn Smythe this season, that would be cover worthy.

Unfortunately, that would mean the curse would get us the year after....