The wait is over and hockey is back tonight. Toronto. Montreal. It’s exciting times heading into perhaps the most talked-about Leafs season in the last 30 years,

Before things get rolling, it’s time for our writers to get their pre-season takes out there for us to praise or laugh at eight months. I kept things simple and asked a few of our writers for the following: Standings in each conference, where the Leafs’ season ends, who wins the Cup, and another general prediction.

Let’s get into it.

Leafs exit: 2nd round

Cup winner: Tampa over San Jose

Other bold take: I’ll get back to you

Leafs exit: 1st round

Cup winner: San Jose over Tampa

Other bold take: Colorado ends up with the first and second overall pick

Leafs exit: 1st round

Cup winner: Winnipeg over Philadelphia

Other bold take: The Leafs’ defence won’t be good enough

Leafs exit: Conference final

Cup winner: Dallas over Columbus

Other bold take: Boston misses playoffs, Caps barely get in

Leafs exit: Conference final…against the Penguins

Cup winner: Predators

Other bold take: Oilers win a playoff series

Leafs exit: Conference final

Cup winner: Winnipeg over Philadelphia

Other bold take: Mitch Marner leads the Leafs in points by 10+, and that dumb Buffalo wildcard prediction above