After blowing game seven in the first round of the playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs rebounded, signing John Tavares, but losing James van Riemsdyk. Finally a good team, ket\’s look at some fast facts for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Head Coach: Mike Babcock
General Manager: Kyle Dubas
Arena: Scotiabank Arena
AHL Affiliate: Toronto Marlies
2017-18 record: 49-26-7 (105 points)
2017-18 placement: 3rd
Division: Atlantic
2017-18 goals leader: James van Riemsdyk (36)
2017-18 assists leader: Mitch Marner, Jake Gardiner (47)
2017-18 points leader: Mitch Marner (69)
2017-18 points leader (defensemen): Jake Gardiner, Morgan Reilly (52)
Captain: None
Assistant Captains: Patrick Marleau, Morgan Reilly, John Tavares
2018 first round pick: Rasmus Sandin
Offseason additions: John Tavares, Tyler Ennis, Josh Jooris
Offseason subtractions: James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, Leo Komarov, Roman Polak, Matt Martin, Tomas Plekanec, Dominic Moore
Forwards: John Tavares and Auston Matthews form one of the best center duos in the league. Mitch Marner and William Nylander play alongside both of them. Andreas Johnsson and Carl Grundstrom are two rookies making their rookie seasons. There is a lot of good, young players that can score.
Forward lines:
Patrick Marleau – Auston Matthews – Mitch Marner
Zach Hyman – John Tavares – William Nylander
Andreas Johnsson – Nazem Kadri – Kasperi Kapanen
Josh Leivo – Carl Grundstrom – Connor Brown
Other: Par Lindholm, Tyler Ennis
Defensemen: Jake Gardiner and Morgan Reilly both finished with 52 points, but with Gardiner entering a contract year, it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Ron Hainsey is fighting with Andreas Borgman for a spot. Nikita Zaitsev and Travis Dermott seem to be pretty safe.
Defensive pairs:
Morgan Reilly – Ron Hainsey
Jake Gardiner – Travis Dermott
Nikita Zaitsev – Connor Carrick
Other: Andreas Borgman
Goalies: Entering his third year as starter, Frederik Andersen is arguably a top 15 goalie. Curtis McElhinney is still his backup, but Garrett Sparks isn\’t far behind.
Goalie alignment:
Frederik Andersen
Curtis McElhinney
Other: Garrett Sparks
Predictions:
Top five scorers:
Auston Matthews
John Tavares
Mitch Marner
William Nylander
Morgan Reilly
Playoffs: Yes
Division: 3rd
I think the Maple Leafs will be eliminated in the first round.
CarterHud 