The 2023/24 NHL season is on the horizon, with fans all across the world getting ready for the return of the best ice hockey competition. One set of fans who are looking forward to the upcoming campaign are those who support the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs have made a number of transactions this summer offseason as they look to compete and ultimately go for the Stanley Cup. It has been a very long time since they last won one (1966-67), and the vast majority of the franchise’s fanbase will have yet to have experienced witnessing the second-most successful organization of all time to lift the prestigious trophy.
There is some optimism – as well as hope – around the team this year as they look to build on last year’s efforts with their young group of players getting older and becoming more experienced. However, with many things to be concerned about once the season comes to its conclusion, this year is believed to be one of their greatest opportunities to finally end their incredible trophy drought.
Prediction 1: Auston Matthews to shine
It might not be a difficult prediction to make, but it would not be a surprise if Auston Matthews were to shine on the ice once again. The center won the Hart Trophy in the 2021/22 season after getting 60 goals but struggled last year. The 26-year-old still managed to score 40 goals and provide 45 assists, and did so with an injury (undisclosed) that bothered him for most of the season.
If he is able to get over that, he is one of the best in the NHL in 5v5 and should be consistent enough to be able to reach the 100-point mark. If he does, then the team would be one of the strongest contenders in the race for the Eastern Conference. This is a view that is shared by many fans, as well as bookmakers. A Canadian Sportsbook is already offering the Maple Leafs up as the favorite to win the conference this year, and that is likely to look good value if Matthews is on fire!
Prediction 2: Joseph Woll becomes the main goaltender
Goaltender was an issue last season for the Leafs, as Toronto suffered with injuries. Ilya Samsonov went down during the playoffs and Joseph Woll stepped in like a veteran, rather than look like a rookie. He had already shown he was capable with his limited time on the ice before the playoffs, but he looked assured and way ahead of what his playing level would suggest.
He will likely begin as a backup, but if Samsonov is injured again, Toronto will likely call upon Woll and it could be his position to lose from there on.
Prediction 3: Penalty Kill to go from strength to weakness
Toronto’s penalty kill was a huge strength over the last few years, but this year, it might be a weakness. Almost all of the players who made that possible have left the organization, and the individuals who have been brought in are perhaps not of the same level.
As a result, many believe the Leafs are going to struggle in this area and the puck is going to be going into the net more often than it has in recent years.
Prediction 4: Power Play will be the best in the NHL
A bold prediction, but the Toronto Maple Leafs power play could be the best in the NHL this season. They were second overall last season after all, but they could improve with the acquisitions made as the group has been enhanced further.
The roster is made up of potent individuals and can be incredibly lethal in these situations, thus potentially making them even better than the Edmonton Oilers last season.
Prediction 5: Timothy Liljegren to become a top pairing
A lot is already expected of Timothy Liljegren. The former first-round NHL pick is expected to have a breakout season, but he could do so much more in the 23/24 campaign. He has been improving steadily since entering the league and with the help and guidance of veterans, he is coming into his own.
He might start the year further down the order, but if he continues to develop, he could become the ideal no.1 pairing for Morgan Rielly. If things work out, they could become a lethal defensive pairing and one fans are able to get really excited about each time they hit the ice!
