The Leafs enter the season with one of if not the best prospect pool in the league and looks like the top three of those prospects are likely to be full timers this season with Mathews, Marner, and Nylander. All three could be in calder potential discussions though not enough puck to go around for them all to be in the running, will be interesting to see which of those three has the best season.
Then you have another group of young/rookies in Soshnikov, Zaitsev, Carrick, Brown, Leivo, Rychel, and Hyman. Don't think the Leafs have the space to play all of them but would think four to five are on the opening roster and with injuries and butt kicking all will get some good NHL looks. Oh and lets not forget that Gauthier (one of my personal favorites) has to see some time as well.
Rielly will be the horse on the back end, this is the year he needs to step up as a legit number one or the Leafs have one huge hole to address going forward. Gardiner, Polak, Marincin, and Hunwick will fill out the d as guys with some experience though not exactly tons.
Komarov, Kadri, JVR, Michalek, Bozak, Martin, Greening, and Laich will fill out the forward spots. Actually now that I look at it they have too many forwards would be interesting to see how many of the young guys mentioned can be sent down with out waivers either way forget that four of five secondary kids making opening night roster going to say three now.
Oh and Andersen and Enroth in net.
Not sure what I expect, guess an improved yet not playoff team. But end of the day the season is all about watching the big three kids and hoping Rielly and Andersen can be top notch.
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