TSJ 31 in 31: Toronto Maple Leafs Make a Jump For the Cup

by
Former Writers
September 27, 2018

After a somewhat disappointing finish to the 2017-18 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs were in need of a big addition. Newly named GM Kyle Dubas new the player they needed and jumped on the opportunity. Toronto has been on the upswing since drafting Auston Matthews in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

By the fifth year of the Shana-plan, Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas may have a team that is ready for a run in the playoffs. But nothing was done to solidify the defense. Defense was the big problem for the Maple Leafs last season, especially in the Playoffs and specifically in Game Seven against Boston.

Have the Maple Leafs Gotten Better?

On the front end, yes the Maple Leafs probably got the best upgrade this offseason in John Tavares. But defensively the Maple Leafs did not upgrade at all. Although there were no upgrades defensively, Tavares will help the team score enough goals that defense may not be a problem during the regular season.

On top of that, Frederik Andersen has shown he is capable of stealing games over the course of his career. This could be a great year for the Maple Leafs, possibly the best season in Franchise History?

Additions

The Toronto Maple Leafs reeled in the biggest fish this offseason by signing John Tavares to a seven year deal worth $77 million ($11 million AAV). Last season Tavares played all 82 games with the New York Islanders. In the 82 games, he scored 37 goals and added 47 assists. Imagine the production a line with Tavares and Mitch Marner will have.

Tyler Ennis was signed to add scoring down the wings. Ennis scored eight goals and totaled 22 points in 73 games with the Minnesota Wild. Par Lindholm signed out of the SHL. In Sweden, Lindholm played 49 games and scored 18 goals and added 29 assists.

Subtractions

James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak were the biggest losses this summer. van Riemsdyk scored 36 goals with 54 points in 81 games last season. Tyler Bozak was signed by the St. Louis Blues and had 32 assists with 43 points last year.

Leo Komarov played in 74 games in 2017-18 and totaled 19 points (7 goals and 12 assists). Roman Polak, Dominic Moore and Matt Martin were also left to free agency. The three combined for a total of 36 points.

Where the Toronto Maple Leafs Stand

The Toronto Maple Leafs stand in a good position to make a run for the Cup. The only problem the Leafs face is the defensive struggles that occurred last season. Can the Maple Leafs diffuse the defensive woes?

Toronto has a Net Gain of one point. One point does not sound good but it would not have been as good if Tavares signed with San Jose. This is going to be a huge year for Toronto. For fans of the Maple Leafs, it will be exciting to see Tavares set up Marner or Marner setting up Tavares. The two could combine for 150 points or more.

It looks like the Maple Leafs will finish 2nd place in the Atlantic Division. Look out Toronto, these Leafs might not fall off the playoff tree quite so early this year.