Realistically, I look to see some young players take the next step and really contribute at both ends of the ice. In particular I look for big minutes and production out of Grabbo, J. Mitchell, Kulemin and Tlusty. With the defense solidified and Toskala healthy and being pushed by Gustavsson I expect our goals against to be in the top 15 this year mostly due to a new found ability to kill penalties. No one will be skating around our zone with their heads down this year and that alone will change the team dynamic.

I also expect some veterans to give up some minutes such as Blake, Hagman, Mayers and Poni unless they are delivering the goods night in and night out.

Some other new blood I am excited about are Wallin, Bozak, Hanson and Kadri(probably a year or two away from regular duty).

I hope Primeau can fit in on the fourth line and offer some leadership and tutalage to the younger players similar to Brad May’s role last year.

I still think making the play-offs is a stretch but if the goals against come down and some of the youth break out with big years anything is possible.

- no season ending/major injuries
- consistency in net
- 1 or 2 young forwards to surprise with higher than expected point production
- pummel the habs into dust every time they play :p

As for what other teams I follow last year when I wasn’t watching the leafs I was watching the Caps as well. It was a nice change up from the Leafs who usually tried hard but often came up short in the skill department. I’m planning on doing the same thing this year.

-Two 30 goal scorers (Blake and Mickey Grabs would makes sense)

-Tlusty to make the jump as a legit top-six rookie, like what Grabbo did last year. Tlusty played great in the A last year after he relaxed a bit (I remember reading something about how a big change of attitude happenned last year after his parents came over and saw him play), I’d love for him to move up such that we have two young top-six guys like that

Hopefully Burke has a game plan other than just grab big players with marginal skills. Time to pin the C on someones uniform…I cant find one worthy enough. Guys we still need an impact player very disapointed that Burke couldnt find one. I see the Leafs in the playoffs easily but not a top teaml

TheSharkmeister…

Also how will Kaberle play with the threat of a trade no longer an issue (Burke says he will respect no trade clauses) and the added beef around him.

As for the media I predict they will all start harping on the following meme: “Burke and Wilson are too focused on USA Hockey and building that out and are stocking the Leafs minor leagues systems with US players to the detriment of the team blah blah blah” Just watch they will start saying something like that soon.

IF that happens though it probably means that the team is doing well on the ice and they have nothing else to write about.

Remember when Quinn was coaching the Leafs to 100 point + seasons and going deep in the playoffs the only thing they could come up with was ” no team with one person doing coach and GM ever won the cup” or “Pat Quinn yells at the referees too much.”

With the added depth, these guys better be showing up if they want to keep playing.

I could see Kulemin breaking out with 50-60 points, given the right linemates. I’m really cheering for Wallin as well. It didn’t seem like he was given much of a shot in Minnie.