Maple Leafs in Strong Position After Rival Star Suffers Injury Setback

Reports recently revealed that showed Matthew Tkachuk is going to be out long-term and for the Panthers, that's really bad news if they want to dominate the Atlantic again without one of their top producers.

It was great news for the rest of the division, and there were talks that he could potentially be out until December, and would in fact be more than likely back before the Olympics in order to help Team USA.

However, David Pagnotta isn't so sure, and believes that the return date is in the New Year, but it hinges on one thing:

That means that the Panthers will be able to put Tkachuk on LTIR and utilize the extra cap room available to them in order to make a deal to bring someone in; and with their track record it seems that is a very big possibility.

Tkachuk, 27, had 57 points in 52 games (22 goals, 35 assists) and has 254 points in 211 games since joining Florida (88 goals, 166 assists).

But those setbacks could end up being the Maple Leafs' saving grace and it doesn't take much for Tkachuk to have his recovery hindered; a rough rehab assignment, pushing himself too hard, even re-aggravating it upon his return, there are a bunch of potential reasons for a setback.

Which means the Maple Leafs need to start the season with their foot on the gas and not let up.

This may be their only chance to get a head start on the rest of the division and put the Panthers in an unenviable position upon Tkachuk's return, making it a bit harder for them to gain footing in such a short span.

Or, if he is out longer than January and goes up until February or even the trade deadline, if the Maple Leafs play the right cards; they could end up putting an insurmountable gap between them and Florida.

It also hinges on how the rest of the division plays out, but with Tampa Bay, Ottawa, and Montreal all able to compete, and the Sabres and Red Wings playing spoiler at times; it could be there perfect mix that leads Toronto to another pennant and leave the Panthers reeling.

With a new-look lineup and a ton of added depth, it seems that Toronto is going to have the ability to gain top spot in the Atlantic once again.

But it might be easier if there's a bit of bad luck on Tkachuk's side of things.