The NHL season is just over a quarter of the way through, so I wanted to take the time to personally evaluate the Toronto Maple Leafs. I'll discuss how they've done, where they're headed and what I'm hoping for by the end of the season.
The First Quarter:
The Leafs have done pretty much what they were expected to do as of this point in the season. They're one of, if not the most, hard working teams in the league, but they have a severe lack of talent. Their top goal scorer is Leo Komarov, who was on their fourth line last season. The first twenty games have been just the disappointment the doctor ordered for the Leafs; tons of close, one-goal losses. In order for the team to be successful in the future, they need to go through the growing pains now. As painstaking and depressing as it is, it is a necessary stage in the rebuilding process and we just have to keep hoping for next year.
The Short-Term Future:
For me, I want the Leafs to continue at the pace they are at right now. Some games are absolutely brutal to watch, and some games they show youthful exuberance and play outstanding; most recently in St. Louis where they dominated the Blues in a 4-1 win with the help of Nazem Kadri's two goals. Ideally, guys like Brad Boyes, Daniel Winnik, Michael Grabner and the like will earn their keep with the Leafs and get shipped out at the trade deadline for draft picks and young talent.
By the end of the season, I want the Leafs to end up in the bottom three so they have the best chance to pick first and acquire the coveted Austin Matthews.
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