With the NHL draft in the rearview mirror, it’s time to shift our focus from the future to the present. As of now, the Leafs currently have a hole in their centre depth from when they last played, with the potential of Brian Boyle leaving the team to free agency. They currently have Auston Matthews…
The NHL released its schedule for the upcoming 2017-18 season. The Leafs will open the season in Winnipeg against the Jets on Wednesday, Oct. 4, while their home opener will be Saturday, Oct. 7 against the New York Rangers.
Goaltenders are the toughest position to evaluate in the NHL. Part of it is due to the lack if advancement in statistical analysis for goalies, and part of it due to the fact that goalies are extremely unpredictable, making it difficult to get a clear idea as to how good a goalie is. This also…
Unlike the other two big rookies on the Leafs, fans already had an idea of what they were getting from William Nylander, as they got a taste of what he brought to the team in the 2015-16 season after the deadline, where he, and many other rookies, replaced the veterans that had been traded. He…
After finishing last place in 2015-16 and winning the draft lottery, the Toronto Maple Leafs had little to no expectations for this year. Many, in fact, expected no different than the previous season, despite the fact they improved in terms of scoring depth and goaltending, their two biggest flaws in their last place season. However, their…
There probably isn’t a defenseman on the Leafs more polarizing than Jake Gardiner. The stats people will argue about how 99% of the time, he is an elite defenseman. The “watch the games” crowd will argue the other 1% of the time, where he makes massive gaffs that make him look like he should be…
After years of scrutiny and criticism, especially under the Carlyle/Nonis era, Nazem Kadri has really developed into an excellent NHL centre, and has evolved his game to both ends of the ice under Mike Babcock. While never really getting his chance to prove himself as a 1C, nor will he now that Auston Matthews is…
I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a unique day for myself because that same day, I was attending a performance of Hamlet for my Grade 12 English class. I knew that Mike Babcock would be making his decision sometime that day, but at the time, the Leafs were said to be out…
It’s the Eastern Conference Finals, and despite the fact that they were eliminated two rounds ago, people still can’t stop talking about the Leafs. Right now, it’s the plethora of former Leafs in the conference finals. On the Ducks, it’s notorious bench boss Randy Carlyle, his favourite goalie Jonathan Bernier, and a minor league defenseman…
Here ye, here ye, let me tell you the tale of David and Goliath. In the words of the ancient prophet who hails from Toronto, Drake, the Toronto Maple Leafs “started from the bottom, now we here”. The Maple Leafs finished in last place, and despite upgrading their goaltending and goal scoring, with those being…
