To my mind, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the strongest team in the Atlantic Division. Although the Atlantic is highly competitive, right now no team should be able to compete with the Blue & White.
If they can use the regular season as a testing ground to maximize their team’s lineup, matches, and chemistry, there’s a good chance they will be set up to leverage their successful regular season into a longer postseason run.
Unless there is a devastating injury that cripples this team, given the roster there’s every chance this team can have both a successful regular season and a playoff push.
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Three Reasons the Maple Leafs Should Win the Atlantic Division
The Maple Leafs have several advantages over other teams in the Atlantic Division as they face the upcoming season. Here are three key reasons:
Reason One: The Maple Leafs Have the Talent, Depth, and Versatility
The Maple Leafs boast an abundance of talent, particularly at the center position. This depth allows them to roll multiple lines with skilled players who can seamlessly shift between center and wing positions.
This versatility provides head coach Sheldon Keefe the flexibility to adapt to different situations, match-ups, and injuries throughout the season, giving them a competitive edge.
Reason Two: The Maple Leafs Have Solid Goalie Strength
With a healthy Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll growing every season, this twosome could perform very well. They give the Maple Leafs a strong goaltending tandem.
Samsonov has the potential to be a top NHL starter; and, who knows Woll’s potential yet? But so far, so good. The two together bolster the team’s goaltending depth and ensure stability in the net. Because goaltending is often a decisive factor in a team’s success, having two reliable options is an advantage. I think this team has that reliability in Samsonov and Woll.
Related: Did Maple Leafs Paint Themselves into a Corner with Samsonov?
Reason Three: The Maple Leafs Have High-End Talent and Core Players
Over the past several seasons, the Maple Leafs have been able to ice a core of elite players, including Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. On the defensive side, Morgan Rielly leads the way. He’s complemented by the additions of Jake McCabe and John Klingberg.
This high-end talent across the roster gives the team a significant advantage in terms of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and leadership on the ice.
The Bottom Line
These reasons, taken together, position the Maple Leafs as the strong team in the Atlantic Division. They should be the team to watch during the upcoming NHL season. Their depth, goaltending, and star-studded core give them a competitive edge as they aim to make a deep playoff run and contend for the Stanley Cup.
In addition, the Maple Leafs have assembled a talented, motivated, and cohesive team for the 2023-24 season. The key offseason acquisitions, improved team chemistry, and the high level of talent give them the potential to make a strong bid for the Stanley Cup.
Could this season be the one? It should be a fun regular season. The team will work to shape its roster into a viable unit for a long Stanley Cup run. But, first the Atlantic Division. Good luck to the team.
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