Thoroughly unexcited.

[Sypher04]

You all may disagree but Schenn and Acciari are the only losses I personally expect to miss.

Don’t get me wrong, Bunting was a good player, but he became a sideshow that was hurting the team (not entirely his fault, the refs are a joke, but it is what it is). Ryan O’Rielly imo was too slow to be really effective here for the long haul.

The rest barely register.

We’ve added top legitimate top 6 forwards, arguably 3 with Knies as well. All in a position, Left Wing, we’ve typically been quite weak.

I personally think we are clearly better up front.

Back end to me needs work, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that every year in the off-season people talk crap about our D and they just go out year after year and punch above their weight. That doesn’t mean I don’t think we need to improve to win it all, we do imo, but our D consistently gets underrated. I expect little problem in the regular season, and upgrades along the way to the deadline to prepare us for the playoffs.

 

[Evilhomer]

I can see them adding but not that much because we do not have the assets, unless you include a Nylander+ blockbuster trade IMO. I can definitely see them upgrading the D, especially if they show their weaknesses during the first half.

They have plenty of assets to trade. Just look at Tampa every year for the past many years - there are always draft picks and B-level prospects that can be traded.

 

[Gary Nylund]

They have plenty of assets to trade. Just look at Tampa every year for the past many years - there are always draft picks and B-level prospects that can be traded.

I can't agree with the bolded. B-level prospects aren't worth much so nothing we get back for them is going to move the needle and we've already traded away one of our 1st round picks plus all our 2nd round picks for the next 3 years.

 

[Evilhomer]

I can't agree with the bolded. B-level prospects aren't worth much so nothing we get back for them is going to move the needle and we've already traded away one of our 1st round picks plus all our 2nd round picks for the next 3 years.

B-level prospects are generally what get traded at the deadline. The Leafs also have multiple first round picks in the future that can be used, and the kid they selected this past June. For a major acquisition, the story would be different unless they used Nylander or Knies, but for the typical trade deadline they have as many assets as most other contenders.

 

[Gary Nylund]

B-level prospects are generally what get traded at the deadline. The Leafs also have multiple first round picks in the future that can be used, and the kid they selected this past June. For a major acquisition, the story would be different unless they used Nylander or Knies, but for the typical trade deadline they have as many assets as most other contenders.

We've traded away 4 out of our 6 picks in the first two rounds over the next 3 years. I don't have the time and energy to look at the status of the other teams but I doubt that the comparisons would leave us looking good.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

You all may disagree but Schenn and Acciari are the only losses I personally expect to miss.

Don’t get me wrong, Bunting was a good player, but he became a sideshow that was hurting the team (not entirely his fault, the refs are a joke, but it is what it is). Ryan O’Rielly imo was too slow to be really effective here for the long haul.

The rest barely register.

We’ve added top legitimate top 6 forwards, arguably 3 with Knies as well. All in a position, Left Wing, we’ve typically been quite weak.

I personally think we are clearly better up front.

Back end to me needs work, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that every year in the off-season people talk crap about our D and they just go out year after year and punch above their weight. That doesn’t mean I don’t think we need to improve to win it all, we do imo, but our D consistently gets underrated. I expect little problem in the regular season, and upgrades along the way to the deadline to prepare us for the playoffs.

I think ROR is the one that will be missed.

I think the Leafs are bett almost everywhere, on the wing with Bertuzzi and Domi replacing Bunting and Kerfoot.

On Defense with Klingberg over Holl, not to mention a full season of McCabe.

Even in net with Woll over Murray.

They did not get better at center, losing ROR and moving David Kampf to 3rd line center is a downgrade.

 

[Evilhomer]

I think ROR is the one that will be missed.

I think the Leafs are bett almost everywhere, on the wing with Bertuzzi and Domi replacing Bunting and Kerfoot.

On Defense with Klingberg over Holl, not to mention a full season of McCabe.

Even in net with Woll over Murray.

They did not get better at center, losing ROR and moving David Kampf to 3rd line center is a downgrade.

A third line centre is easy to add during the season.

 

[mjd1001]

I said this in a different thread, but the more I think about it, this is the least worried and most excited I would be for the Leafs to progress far in the playoffs.

Their talent is at least equal to anyone around them in the division. Boston and Tampa are getting old quickly. Their talent 'may' have been equal to the Leafs at their peak, but not anymore as age and mileage catches up to them. Ottawa and Buffalo may have close to as much talent at the Leafs, but most of that talent is still young and hasn't reached its potential. The Leafs at least match them in talent but this year will have vastly more experience than those two.

With all the Angst on this board about the season, I truly believe this is the most optimistic the team should be for at least getting to the conference finals.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I don't know how you can't be excited, we are 10 days away from the first pre season game.

How does that not excite you?

Hockey is back my excitement is building by the second.

I can't wait.

I'm not expecting to see the NHL team on the 23rd, nor do I want to, I think game 1 should be for the prospects like Easton Cowan.

Or guys like Gambrell and Noah Gregor trying to make the team.

But we are 10 days away from a Leaf game how doesn't that excite you?

 

[Evilhomer]

I said this in a different thread, but the more I think about it, this is the least worried and most excited I would be for the Leafs to progress far in the playoffs.

Their talent is at least equal to anyone around them in the division. Boston and Tampa are getting old quickly. Their talent 'may' have been equal to the Leafs at their peak, but not anymore as age and mileage catches up to them. Ottawa and Buffalo may have close to as much talent at the Leafs, but most of that talent is still young and hasn't reached its potential. The Leafs at least match them in talent but this year will have vastly more experience than those two.

With all the Angst on this board about the season, I truly believe this is the most optimistic the team should be for at least getting to the conference finals.

As I've said, I think the only team in the that will be able to compete with Toronto will be Jersey, and I wouldn't be surprised if Carolina knocks out Jersey again in the first or second round (depending on when they play each other). I don't think the Leafs would have any trouble with Carolina in a series, so if Carolina can take out the Devils I see the Leafs making the Cup final this season.

 

[Gary Nylund]

As I've said, I think the only team in the that will be able to compete with Toronto will be Jersey, and I wouldn't be surprised if Carolina knocks out Jersey again in the first or second round (depending on when they play each other). I don't think the Leafs would have any trouble with Carolina in a series, so if Carolina can take out the Devils I see the Leafs making the Cup final this season.

There's no reason whatsoever to be this cocky. This core is 1-7 in playoff series and lost both times when we were favorites. Until we show that we're capable of playing up to our potential in the playoffs it's probably more accurate to say that any team can compete with us.

 

[Evilhomer]

There's no reason whatsoever to be this cocky. This core is 1-7 in playoff series and lost both times when we were favorites. Until we show that we're capable of playing up to our potential in the playoffs it's probably more accurate to say that any team can compete with us.

Their record from three or four years ago is completely irrelevant at this point. Last year they handled Tampa and outplayed Florida. Both Boston and Tampa will fade even further this season, and there is no way Florida can or will repeat that run. No other team in the Atlantic is even close at this point, and Jersey is the only truly good team in the Metro. I think everyone will be very surprised with the numbers Bertuzzi and Klingberg put up, and Matthews will likely return to 50+ goals. Because the Leafs will win the Atlantic, they will end up with a more favourable first round matchup and will now be much more comfortable once they are past the first round.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Their record from three or four years ago is completely irrelevant at this point. Last year they handled Tampa and outplayed Florida. Both Boston and Tampa will fade even further this season, and there is no way Florida can or will repeat that run. No other team in the Atlantic is even close at this point, and Jersey is the only truly good team in the Metro. I think everyone will be very surprised with the numbers Bertuzzi and Klingberg put up, and Matthews will likely return to 50+ goals. Because the Leafs will win the Atlantic, they will end up with a more favourable first round matchup and will now be much more comfortable once they are past the first round.

Of course their past record is relevant. It's the same core players who keep coming up short so why would it not be relevant?

You say Matthews will likely return to 50+ goals - what makes you say that? You have some top secret info re. his wrist that the rest of us are unaware of?

You say we will win the Atlantic but there is zero reason to assume this. We might be favorites to win but that doesn't mean anything. We were favored to beat MTL too, remember how that turned out?

Re. being "much more comfortable once they are past the first round", again, there is no reason whatsoever to put your faith in this dream. For years I've been hearing how once we win a round and get that monkey off our back, we'll be unstoppable and cruise to the final. Then we finally did it, got a "comfortable" opponent in Florida who we were HUGE favorites to beat, remember how that turned out?

I agree the conference is weaker.

 

[ShaneFalco]

As I've said, I think the only team in the that will be able to compete with Toronto will be Jersey, and I wouldn't be surprised if Carolina knocks out Jersey again in the first or second round (depending on when they play each other). I don't think the Leafs would have any trouble with Carolina in a series, so if Carolina can take out the Devils I see the Leafs making the Cup final this season.

Based on - past playoff successes?
Our wonderful play-off loser coach?

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

A third line centre is easy to add during the season.

It can be depending on who is selling.

Monahan for example would probably be pretty cheap.

Backlund or Pageau would cost more.

 

[Evilhomer]

It can be depending on who is selling.

Monahan for example would probably be pretty cheap.

Backlund or Pageau would cost more.

I don't think Pageau would cost anything but salary. His contract is awful.

 

[Evilhomer]

Based on - past playoff successes?
Our wonderful play-off loser coach?

If the past determined the future in professional sports, we would never have seen dynasties like the Islanders, Oilers or even the Lightning (if we want to call two Cups a dynasty).

As for the coach, Keefe may never be Al Arbour, but he's fine. Like most (if not all) coaches, Keefe won't determine whether the Leafs win or lose.

 

[HockeyVirus]

I said this in a different thread, but the more I think about it, this is the least worried and most excited I would be for the Leafs to progress far in the playoffs.

Their talent is at least equal to anyone around them in the division. Boston and Tampa are getting old quickly. Their talent 'may' have been equal to the Leafs at their peak, but not anymore as age and mileage catches up to them. Ottawa and Buffalo may have close to as much talent at the Leafs, but most of that talent is still young and hasn't reached its potential. The Leafs at least match them in talent but this year will have vastly more experience than those two.

With all the Angst on this board about the season, I truly believe this is the most optimistic the team should be for at least getting to the conference finals.

Agreed this might be the year. Feels like that all the time but this could be the window where Bruins and Tampa are not bad but are being de-throwned and the teams behind us aren't experienced yet.

We are the Capitals/Bruins to the 2017-2019 Leafs this time. With all of that said, losing to a more inexperienced team is inexcusable and honestly might be the thing that gets this team blown up if it happens.

But let's focus on the positives until we no longer can

 

[francis246]

Their record from three or four years ago is completely irrelevant at this point. Last year they handled Tampa and outplayed Florida. Both Boston and Tampa will fade even further this season, and there is no way Florida can or will repeat that run. No other team in the Atlantic is even close at this point, and Jersey is the only truly good team in the Metro. I think everyone will be very surprised with the numbers Bertuzzi and Klingberg put up, and Matthews will likely return to 50+ goals. Because the Leafs will win the Atlantic, they will end up with a more favourable first round matchup and will now be much more comfortable once they are past the first round.

I think the Klingberg signing is going to be so beneficial for this team. We have not had that kind of mobility in forever. I know his defensive game has question marks but we are going to score more because of the cannon Klingberg has.

 

[francis246]

Of course their past record is relevant. It's the same core players who keep coming up short so why would it not be relevant?

You say Matthews will likely return to 50+ goals - what makes you say that? You have some top secret info re. his wrist that the rest of us are unaware of?

You say we will win the Atlantic but there is zero reason to assume this. We might be favorites to win but that doesn't mean anything. We were favored to beat MTL too, remember how that turned out?

Re. being "much more comfortable once they are past the first round", again, there is no reason whatsoever to put your faith in this dream. For years I've been hearing how once we win a round and get that monkey off our back, we'll be unstoppable and cruise to the final. Then we finally did it, got a "comfortable" opponent in Florida who we were HUGE favorites to beat, remember how that turned out?

I agree the conference is weaker.

we are definitely the favourite to win the Atlantic, Boston is garbage this year, they don't even have a true #1C. I think they fall back because outside of Pastrnak, Hall and Marchand I'm not ure who's scoring for them. Tampa will be taking a step back. Ottawa despite everyone over hyping them can't defend and they leak goals, Florida I really don't see them winning the division at all. They were barely a playoff team last year. Montreal is young, needs more time. Buffalo is legit the only real competition.

for me Atlantic shapes up as so;

1. Toronto
2. Tampa
3. Buffalo
4. Florida gets in as wild card again

 

[Aashir]

we are definitely the favourite to win the Atlantic, Boston is garbage this year, they don't even have a true #1C. I think they fall back because outside of Pastrnak, Hall and Marchand I'm not ure who's scoring for them. Tampa will be taking a step back. Ottawa despite everyone over hyping them can't defend and they leak goals, Florida I really don't see them winning the division at all. They were barely a playoff team last year. Montreal is young, needs more time. Buffalo is legit the only real competition.

for me Atlantic shapes up as so;

1. Toronto
2. Tampa
3. Buffalo
4. Florida gets in as wild card again

Hall ain’t even on the bruins anymore, got shipped out to Chicago. They are going to have to win closer games, but maybe their defence and goaltending holds up and they can be sort of like the 2019-2021 islanders and just grind out wins

 

[Gary Nylund]

we are definitely the favourite to win the Atlantic, Boston is garbage this year, they don't even have a true #1C. I think they fall back because outside of Pastrnak, Hall and Marchand I'm not ure who's scoring for them. Tampa will be taking a step back. Ottawa despite everyone over hyping them can't defend and they leak goals, Florida I really don't see them winning the division at all. They were barely a playoff team last year. Montreal is young, needs more time. Buffalo is legit the only real competition.

for me Atlantic shapes up as so;

1. Toronto
2. Tampa
3. Buffalo
4. Florida gets in as wild card again

I agree we should be the favorites to win the Atlantic (regular season anyway, too early to talk about playoffs).

The original statement I was responding to was that NJ is the only team in the East that can compete with us which is nothing more than irrational LOL hyperbole.

I also wouldn't dismiss FLA so easily. They were barely a playoff team last year but they did go to the finals and were near the top of the standings the year before. They're actually a good example of why people shouldn't be too confident with their predictions.

 

[Evilhomer]

we are definitely the favourite to win the Atlantic, Boston is garbage this year, they don't even have a true #1C. I think they fall back because outside of Pastrnak, Hall and Marchand I'm not ure who's scoring for them. Tampa will be taking a step back. Ottawa despite everyone over hyping them can't defend and they leak goals, Florida I really don't see them winning the division at all. They were barely a playoff team last year. Montreal is young, needs more time. Buffalo is legit the only real competition.

for me Atlantic shapes up as so;

1. Toronto
2. Tampa
3. Buffalo
4. Florida gets in as wild card again

I think I would put Buffalo and Boston ahead of Tampa, although maybe that is being overly optimistic about the Sabres taking a big step this season. I know the convenient thing to do is write off Boston, but on defense and goaltending alone they should be good enough for top 3 in the division. I think Tampa will fall out of the top 3, but will take one of the wild card spots (potentially setting up another Toronto/Tampa first round series).

The Metro is mostly just a bunch of mediocre teams. Jersey and Carolina will almost certainly finish first and second in the division, but the rest of the teams are hot garbage - Rangers, Penguins, Islanders, Capitals, Blue Jackets, Flyers...none of them are going to contend for anything or likely even make the playoffs other than whichever team finishes third in the Metro (I'll say the Rangers). I think the Atlantic will take both wild card spots in the East.

 

[ShaneFalco]

If the past determined the future in professional sports, we would never have seen dynasties like the Islanders, Oilers or even the Lightning (if we want to call two Cups a dynasty).

As for the coach, Keefe may never be Al Arbour, but he's fine. Like most (if not all) coaches, Keefe won't determine whether the Leafs win or lose.

He does nothing to help them win
This team needs to win a few rounds before considering them a cup favorite. But you do you

 

[Evilhomer]

I agree we should be the favorites to win the Atlantic (regular season anyway, too early to talk about playoffs).

The original statement I was responding to was that NJ is the only team in the East that can compete with us which is nothing more than irrational LOL hyperbole.

I also wouldn't dismiss FLA so easily. They were barely a playoff team last year but they did go to the finals and were near the top of the standings the year before. They're actually a good example of why people shouldn't be too confident with their predictions.

I'm not dismissing Florida so much as saying they aren't going to be a playoff juggernaut rolling off 7 OT playoff wins a row again. They could certainly finish second or third in the division if they can withstand the injuries, but they aren't going to repeat what they did last year.