2015-16 NHL Season: Preview and Power Rankings
By Adam Savard
May 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs new head coach Mike Babcock smiles as he arrives at an introductory media conference with club president Brendan Shanahan at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Number 30: Toronto Maple Leafs
The 2015-16 NHL season should look very different than the last few for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Instead of starting fast and giving their fans hope of the playoffs, this season should begin in the toilet and spiral out of control.
Not that there isn’t anything to look forward to in Toronto. New head coach Mike Babcock brings his impressive Olympic and Stanley Cup credentials to the Leafs bench. The future at center looks very promising with Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Frederik Gauthier coming to the big club over the next few seasons.
None of that will translate to the 2015-16 NHL season. After the Phil Kessel trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Maple Leafs have only six players age 30 or older. Take Stephane Robidas out of the mix and the oldest player suiting up for Toronto to start the 2015-16 NHL season is Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau at 32. Young teams need strong coaching and development, which Babcock will provide.
But the Leafs need picks to fill in on defense and at goaltender. That should be the focus before the All-Star break, not starting fast again and creating false hope. Count on big changes by seasons end too. There are only 11 players under contract beyond the 2015-16 NHL season and no guarantee any of them stay to finish this one. No player is safe on this roster, as it should be during a rebuild.
The Maple Leafs will make the playoffs if: I couldn’t type that with a straight face. Just, no.
A successful 2015-16 NHL season looks like: I’m torn between “seeing what Nylander can do with some experience in the second half” and “the goaltenders didn’t get killed”.
Player to watch: Nazem Kadri. On a one-year, $4.1 million dollar bridge deal before becoming an RFA, Kadri could wind up having a great season and solidifying his future with the Maple Leafs. He could also get moved at the trade deadline. With the coming depth at center and Kadri being only 24, the Leafs could move on from him and get important picks and prospects for the rebuild.
It’s going to be an ugly 2015-16 NHL season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. But there is a direction to the team now. When this season is over the future will be brighter in Toronto. Not before a season of pure hell.
Next: Number 29: The Devils Went Down The Standings