2009-2010 record: 30-38-14 (74 points)
Did not qualify for the playoffs
Captain: Dion Phaneuf
Alternate captains: Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek
3 players to watch: The key to Toronto getting its swagger back begins with newly appointed captain Dion Phaneuf. Acquired in a trade with Calgary last year, he found new life in an even bigger pressure cooker. Now, with the additional responsibilities, he will be asked to continue to bring stability to a locker room desperately in need of it. Even though he has played all of one NHL game in his career, all eyes are on Nazem Kadri. The 2009 first round pick has had a lot of hype, and it remains to be seen if he can handle the bright lights of Toronto. If all goes well, expect him to be a second line center by the end of this year. For all of the grief that Toronto got for trading its first round pick this year to Boston, which turned out to be Tyler Seguin, the Maple Leafs got a pretty good return in Phil Kessel. Even though he didn't play a full season due to injuries, Kessel still managed 30 goals last year, which was far and away, the best total on the team. Without it, the Maple Leafs would have likely been challenging for the first overall pick (if they didn't trade that, as well).
Things to look for: To put things plainly, the Maple Leafs were miserable. Now, granted, they began to find their game in February, it also took the additions of Phaneuf, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, and Tyler Bozak, as well as jettisoning the contracts of Jamal Mayers, Matt Stajan, and Jason Blake. Giguere added a veteran presence in goal, which in turn, brought out the best in Jonas Gustavsson. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the number one goalie, as both would love to prove their worth. The blue line is full of heavy hitters, but not much in the way of a puck moving defenseman. The hope is that either Phaneuf or Luke Schenn will rediscover that part of their game. Offense was a major issue, as there was a precipitous fall off from Kessel. Kris Versteeg, Bozak, and Kadri are all expected to take a huge step towards helping the offense. Naturally, both special teams were terrible, so improving the numbers is imperative.
Prediction: 13th in the East
Song: Rush-The Spirit of Radio
Much like radio, which has been compromised by corporations and prizes, the Maple Leafs have been compromised by ownership through the years. Having been nowhere near a Stanley Cup since 1967, the Maple Leafs haven't found the right combination for that elusive prize.
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