It's been decades of frustration for the Leafs fan, even in the era of Pat Burns and Quinn we were never a threat to be a serious contender, it was not even 2 years ago, we were all seriously discussing the rebuild.
What is different now is a turnaround that has come quicker than anyone expected. We now talk about a bit of tweaking to win it all (in fact with a bit of luck we are a serious threat to win it all). Please keep in mind it's a long season and injuries are a big factor for the success of any team, luckily we now have enough depth to fill in the holes (as long as it's not Matthews and Anderson, a lot of you might not agree but I would include Kadri to that list)
The biggest reason for this turnaround is the way we have drafted during the last few years and the way we have explored different markets to sign free agents (Soshnikov, Zaitsev, Rosen, Borgman). The management is committed to explore different avenues and is able to add cost effective assets and instead of relying on veterans, the coaching staff has developed our young guns in to professionals and has created healthy competition
I am trying to keep this short and not going to discuss individuals in detail - here are some of the reasons why I believe this team is going to be a serious threat for years
Forward Lines:
- The core of this team led by Auston Matthews are just the teenagers and are going to be around for numerous years (this team is lucky and blessed to have elite level "C" in Matthews - you can add any names to the list Marner / Nylander
- Our 1st line is explosive and can score in bunches, this line led by Matthews not only can match any top line in the league but is also capable of defending their own zone
- The Kadri's line is one of the best checking line that is capable of going against any line (Marleau is the welcome addition to this line). This line is not only defensively responsible but can put up 150 points as a unit and is one the best line to be on the ice when defending the lead
- Bozak's line is not very good defensively but like our other 2 lines this line is very capable of producing decent offense - JVR and Marner can give give you 60 points and 50 points from Bozak is not over expecting, more over Bozak can win you the important faceoffs (JVR and Bozak are going to be free agents after this season, and I believe there is going to be some tweaking with this line in near future if not this season)
- The 4th is heavily relied on the defensive side and with a 20 goal scorer on this line who is so defensively responsible, you can tell how deep these 4 lines are (please keep in mind that we are so deep that Leivo and Kapanen are still waiting for chance and to be every day players on this roster
- With legitimate 3 offensive lines, it's hard for any team to shut down all 3 lines
Defensive Pairings
While there’s not a legit # 1 or a true stud in the bunch, while none of Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner and Nikita Zaitsev have reached their potential. Te addition of Ron Hainsey adds experience and stability to this core. The addition of Rosen and Borgman and the emergence of Dermott has given some depth to our bottom pairing and with experience you can turn one (if not all) of them to play on 2nd pairing. We would definitely love to add a stud to this core but we ca still compete with this defense core
GOALTENDING
We now have legit # 1 in Frederik Andersen carrying the bulk (capable of playing something closer to 65 games). Even though Curtis McElhinney is not the ideal backup but he can still give you some good games and wins
COACHING
Mike Babcock - do I need to say any thing (if not the best then one of the best)
Management / Scouting
We all believe in and it is safe to say that they all know how to improve this squad and be competitive every season
There’s no reason why the Leafs can't make the playoffs again, and you can bet there will be disappointment in the organization if they don’t advance past the first round. To me hopefully this going pretty deep in the playoffs)
Any comments / input is more then welcome
