For the 8th consecutive season, the Maple Leafs had a fantastic regular season followed by an early exit from the postseason. This is a very anxious and frustrated fanbase, rightfully so, as Toronto enters another season in which they should reach the playoffs. To go further than they have in 22 seasons, this version of the Leafs will lean on key offseason acquisitions.
Toronto Maple Leafs predictions
- Craig Berube is a Jack Adams Award finalist
- Toronto’s goal prevention ranks among the top 10 in the NHL
- The Maple Leafs win the Eastern Conference
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Craig Berube is a Jack Adams Awards finalist
In addition to solid offseason moves on the ice, a very key addition off the ice was the hiring of Stanley Cup-winning coach Craig Berube. His predecessor, Sheldon Keefe, did not look to be the problem but was also not viewed as the solution. This franchise is putting stock that Berube is the solution.
Berube was a hard-nosed NHL player and has shown the same ferocity as an NHL coach. That style looks to be what the Leafs need, considering they’ve been bullied over the years in their postseason series losses. The style and pedigree of Craig Berube will have his name in the conversation for the Jack Adams and more importantly, have a good chance to get this team over the hump.
Toronto’s goal prevention ranks among the top 10 in the NHL
The hockey world is well aware that this team can score. Goal prevention and general softness have been their Achilles heel. The front office addressed those on-ice needs in the offseason with the acquisitions of Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, as well as the extensions of Max Domi and Joseph Woll.
Last season, the Leafs allowed the 12th most goals per game in the league. The additions of Tanev, Ekman-Larsson and Berube and the extension of Joseph Woll show their emphasis on improving that aspect of their game. Look for this version of the Leafs to be much-improved on the defensive side of the puck.
The Maple Leafs win the Eastern Conference
The net-new additions of Berube behind the bench, as well as Ekman-Larsson and Tanev on the blue line, bring Stanley Cup-winning experience and toughness both on and off the ice. The mainstay superstars on this roster do not need any more incentive than they already have to make a deep playoff run. Their foot will be firmly on the gas. With added experience, this just might be the year the Leafs get over the hump.
Toronto has the pure talent and depth to make a deep run, if everyone stays healthy. It is just a matter of executing once they get there. Considering the strength of the Eastern Conference, their first-round opponent may be as strong as any opponent they would run into in later rounds. If they win one series, there is no reason they can’t win a second, third, or even coveted fourth. This won’t be anything new for Leafs fans. But with the additions to an already-strong roster, this looks to be the transformative season they have been waiting for.
