Thoroughly Excited

[DarkKnight]

I'm the biggest sucker in the world I guess, because despite all the setbacks and gut wrenching losses, this team, this year, has me curiously excited. The addition of the kids, a top 9 that has so much intrigue, a different mix, there is much to keep me engaged this regular season. I sense an evolved maturity with our "stars" I haven't heard before, this could really be our year. The right moves at the deadline, who knows...

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[A1LeafNation]

Everytime I look at this team I think of game 3. They have done nothing to shake that.

 

[HellasLEAF]

GLG!

 

[DarkKnight]

Everytime I look at this team I think of game 3. They have done nothing to shake that.

I hear you, there are so many disgusting moments. But, the beauty of sport, one run and it's all forgotten. I like the adds, I like Woll, I love this influx of young energy, this isn't the same team.

I'm also a diehard Eagles fan, man it was a tough ride for so many years. But, once they won in 2018, it was all forgotten. Every year is an opportunity, we are in the mix for sure, and I'm actually pretty pumped to watch this season.

 

[keonsbitterness]

If you're not at least somewhat excited at the beginning of each season, then you're an alien.

 

[Gallagbi]

Feels similar to the past ~3 years for me.

It should be a good team and i enjoy watching them.

 

[Buds17]

Whatever one thinks of how the ending transpired, this franchise still is coming off of its best season/finish in a long while. Now, couple that with changes in meaningful places throughout the team and...yeah, I'm excited about this team.

 

[Buds17]

If you're not at least somewhat excited at the beginning of each season, then you're an alien.

Or absolutely gutted by the happenings of the preseason!

 

[Mr_Fun]

Team should finish in that 97 to 107 point range. At least on paper it looks that way. Can't wait for the puck to drop -- GLG!

 

[666]

I've been saying for a while that we need REAL left wingers in the top 6 and now we have 2 and maybe even 3 of them.

 

[djdev]

knies and minten are giving me a reason to watch regular season again. not that i dislike the team or anything but after so many years of the same script its really nice to have a few young guys that can hopefully really show out and make a difference, i think the way the play will rub off on everyone. my favorite season in recent memory was 2016/17 with 2nd year willy and marner/matty rookie just for day in and out viewing.

 

[DarkKnight]

Looking at the skaters, a 33 percent turnover, six new faces, and that excludes a Knies.

 

[DarkKnight]

Here’s a first, TSN survey of their people, everyone picked Leafs to win Atlantic, which we haven’t done since 1999.

 

[Evilhomer]

Team should finish in that 97 to 107 point range. At least on paper it looks that way. Can't wait for the puck to drop -- GLG!

I think you are about 10 points off. I expect 110-117 points.

 

[BallardEra]

But, the beauty of sport, one run and it's all forgotten.

I have lived this in 2018 and that’s why I now still hold out hope that the Leafs can do likewise.

 

[LeafChief]

I love the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sometimes I get disappointed with them. That's fandom. But I will ALWAYS be excited for Leafs hockey.

Great thread. Too many people showing their full ass this summer. If you aren't excited, don't watch.

 

[authentic]

Healthy Matthews and full season of Samsonov/Woll will do wonders for this team, and Knies, Domi, Bertuzzi, and Klingberg added to our already deadly offense should make us the best offensive team in the NHL. We're going to be hands down the most fun team to watch in the NHL, and who knows what happens in the playoffs but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

 

[Stephen]

Think having the unexpected rookie duo of Knies and Minten coming out of camp to go along with a new middle class of Bertuzzi, Domi and Klingberg helps make this season feel more interesting than how do all the cardboard cut outs not get in the way of the Big 4. Feels like there are more storylines and names who can make an impact.

 

[notbias]

Same team as last year. I was excited last year, and I am excited again.

I still think the team can win, the new additions is the team just shuffling chairs and nothing more.

We win or lose with the core, and I still think they have it in them.

 

[DarkKnight]

Think having the unexpected rookie duo of Knies and Minten coming out of camp to go along with a new middle class of Bertuzzi, Domi and Klingberg helps make this season feel more interesting than how do all the cardboard cut outs not get in the way of the Big 4. Feels like there are more storylines and names who can make an impact.

Agreed, this kid duo has really changed my view of the regular season. We need something to chew on, and I know it’s preseason but man Knies and Minten look a perfect fit.

 

[Woodman19]

I'm excited, they added a ton of new forwards who play hard and are actually taller than 6'. We essentially replaced the bottom 2 lines with size and grit.

 

[DarkKnight]

Same team as last year. I was excited last year, and I am excited again.

I still think the team can win, the new additions is the team just shuffling chairs and nothing more.

We win or lose with the core, and I still think they have it in them.

33% turnover, not the same at all. Knies and Woll as well, not here to start last year.

 

[rumman]

The D is still lacking, goaltending is suspect, same elite forwards that can’t get it done in April. Been burned too many times to feel anything other than groundhog day………

 

[notbias]

33% turnover, not the same at all. Knies and Woll as well, not here to start last year.

33% turnover but the core is the same... want to check the turnover from the year before, or the year before that?

Same coach too.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I'm the biggest sucker in the world I guess, because despite all the setbacks and gut wrenching losses, this team, this year, has me curiously excited. The addition of the kids, a top 9 that has so much intrigue, a different mix, there is much to keep me engaged this regular season. I sense an evolved maturity with our "stars" I haven't heard before, this could really be our year. The right moves at the deadline, who knows...

Curious about the bolded - what makes you say this?