After kicking off the season in Prague with a couple of exciting games between the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, the National Hockey League is gearing up for an action-packed year. As fans eagerly anticipate the start of the season, the TSN panel of experts has weighed in on where each Canadian team might end up in the standings for the 2024-25 season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, who finished third in the Atlantic Division last season, have made some key additions to their lineup in the hopes of making a deeper playoff run. With the acquisitions of veteran defensemen Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, as well as former Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty, the Leafs are looking to add some much-needed experience to their roster.
In addition to bolstering their lineup, the Leafs have also made changes behind the bench and in the locker room. Former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube has taken over as head coach, replacing Sheldon Keefe, while star player Auston Matthews has been named captain, taking over from John Tavares.
The TSN panel predicts that the Leafs will once again be a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, finishing second in the Atlantic Division. However, there are still questions surrounding the team’s ability to perform in the playoffs.
“Can Craig Berube put something in place where they can go out and have success in the regular season and that will translate to the playoffs?” said Jeff O’Neill. “They’re still going to be offensive, they’re still going to want to score goals, but system-wise can they do something different?”
Cheryl Pounder added, “There has to be a buy-in and a willingness amongst all of them right from the beginning of the season. It is a process. You don’t just wake up in the playoffs. It has to start right now. It’s that accountability that’s going to be massive for the Toronto Maple Leafs.”
With the NHL season set to kick off, all eyes will be on the Toronto Maple Leafs as they look to live up to the high expectations that have been set for them. Will this be the year they finally break through and bring home the Stanley Cup? Only time will tell as the puck drops and the games begin.
