Even though the season opener is still 78 long days away, it’s never too early to start making some proclamations about what’s to come for the Maple Leafs.
On paper, Craig Berube’s arrival coupled with the marquee additions of Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Anthony Stolarz, among others, should mean positive things. That said, there’s no question that there will be plenty of pressure on the squad to perform, especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs —assuming they get there.
With all that in mind, here’s some way-too-early BOLD predictions for the 2024-25 season.
Auston Matthews scores 70 goals
For any other player in the NHL, this would be a ridiculous take. Considering Matthews is coming off a 69-goal campaign, it’s not as far-fetched as one would think. Yes, once again, the margin for error will be razor thin and he will have to stay supremely healthy. Surely, it’s a ridiculous pace to hold over an 82-game slate, but if there’s someone who could unequivocally do it, it’s Auston Matthews.
Mitch Marner hits the 100-point plateau
Regardless of how you feel about what the organization should do with the player moving forward, Mitch Marner is an elite point producer. Over the first eight years of his NHL career, the 27-year-old has flirted with the 100-point plateau on several occasions. In fact, he notched 85 points in 69 contests last season. Prorated over 82 games, he would’ve finally hit the century mark. On top of that, Marner will be extremely motivated as he will playing for a new contract.
Matthew Knies scores 25 goals
The 21-year-old winger, who will potentially be entering the final year of his 3-year entry level contract, could be primed for a breakout season. Unless the Leafs make a significant move, Knies figures to spend the majority of the season in the top six, which means firm attachment to the big boys. Without a doubt, Knies should have no problem building upon his 15 goal, 35 point showing as a rookie.
Morgan Rielly finishes top-10 in Norris voting
Simply put, a lot of this is based on Rielly finally getting a legitimate d-partner who can insulate him appropriately. Pound for pound, Chris Tanev, who’s still widely regarded as one of the best shutdown blue liners in the league, will be the best partner – at least on paper – Rielly’s ever played with. In the past, the 30-year-old has shown that he’s fully capable of putting up some big-time points. With Tanev and Craig Berube, among others, now in the mix, Rielly should look much better.
Easton Cowan scores 10 goals with the Leafs
For starters, this one clearly implies that Cowan will first make the team out of training camp. Assuming he does that, I’m forecasting that the 19-year-old will find a way to supply some much-needed depth scoring. Why? Just go look at his body of work in junior hockey. Furthermore, there’s obviously plenty of opportunity in the top six. At times, I think Cowan will get a chance to snap it around with the stars.
