Unexpected Atlantic Rival Could Complicate Maple Leafs' Division Title Hopes
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
For all the questions about how Toronto will survive against the likes of Tampa Bay and Florida this season, one heated rival could come in as a surprise foil to the Leafs' Atlantic title hopes.
Last season the Toronto Maple Leafs did surprise a few people when they took the Atlantic Division title after a neck and neck race with both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.
It gave them a big advantage heading into the playoffs and while the results were pretty much the same as they always were, the team certainly lasted as long as they possibly good and had to deal with a pretty tough and nasty Panthers team (and an Anthony Stolarz injury).
The Unforeseen Rise of a Division Rival
But coming into this season the team is as deep as ever and eve though they are without Mitch Marner, there is still hopes the team can make a push for a repeat title, however a new face as emerged to throw a wrench into their plans.
It seems like the Montreal Canadiens might be a much tougher opponent this season, which means the Maple Leafs have yet another Atlantic rival to deal with this season.
According to an article from The Hockey Writers, the additions made from the Habs, coupled with a fairly stagnant Atlantic offseason means that they could make a run and surprise many.
They added Zachary Bolduc, Noah Dobson, and Kaapo Kähkönen to a team that already boasts stars like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and they'll have both Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach healthy.
The article also touches on the young core of Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, and Ivan Demidov and how while the other teams in the Atlantic age; they're just hitting their prime:
Juraj Slafkovsky took massive steps over the last two seasons and will be just 21 heading into this season. His physical tools, improved skating, and better decision-making suggest he's ready to be a consistent top-six contributor.
Lane Hutson, a dynamic defenceman, is entering his second NHL season at 21. With his offensive instincts and power-play ability, he will continue to be a pillar on defence.
Demidov, only 19, joins the team as one of the most anticipated Habs prospects in decades. His elite vision, creativity, and offensive upside could make him a Calder Trophy candidate.
Compare this to other Atlantic teams, like the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, or Boston Bruins, and the contrast is clear.
Those teams rely on aging cores with most of their best players past age 30. Their windows are now. The Canadiens' window is just opening.
Lane Hutson, a dynamic defenceman, is entering his second NHL season at 21. With his offensive instincts and power-play ability, he will continue to be a pillar on defence.
Demidov, only 19, joins the team as one of the most anticipated Habs prospects in decades. His elite vision, creativity, and offensive upside could make him a Calder Trophy candidate.
Compare this to other Atlantic teams, like the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, or Boston Bruins, and the contrast is clear.
Those teams rely on aging cores with most of their best players past age 30. Their windows are now. The Canadiens' window is just opening.
Why This New Challenge Matters for the Maple Leafs' Season
Well, if things weren't already difficult for the Maple Leafs, adding in their most heated rivals into the mix is sure to make things interesting.
We know that Montreal isn't a powerhouse like Florida, and last season the Maple Leafs had their number (3-1 in the season series) but adding in the dynamic playmaking defender in Dobson, and a full season of Laine and Dach is going to make the Canadiens equally as deep as Toronto.
That's not good news for a Leafs team who is going to struggle offensively unless they end up getting the Auston Matthews of old, plus, they need to make sure their new acquisitions can contribute to a higher degree than they are used to.
Things don't get easier, and it's truly a coin toss. You have Tampa Bay, Florida, Toronto, Ottawa, and now Montreal all able to fight for a Top-3 position, and it means the team has to be all gas, no brakes from the get-go.
If Toronto can stay healthy, get contributions from their new players, and perhaps find a repeat season out of Anthony Stolarz, then things should look good for them come playoff time.
But don't be surprised if you see the Habs nipping at their heels until the bitter end.
TRENDING NOW
