Hobson's Mailbag: Week 1 - 8/24/15

Welcome to a new series here on PHU, called Hobson's mailbag. I will answer weekly questions from people on Twitter, Facebook, generally where anyone can reach me. I hope to connect with you guys and have a great time discussing the world's greatest sport, hockey.

Anyways, let's get down to business.

@PHUHobson Who's primed for a breakout season?

— Kevin Connauton (@KevinsComrades) August 24, 2015

Personally, I think Nazem Kadri is due. He had a great run in his first campaign during the shortened 2013 season, but after that his production seemed to slip a little bit. This season, he'll more than likely be given first line minutes under new coach Mike Babcock, assuming that Tyler Bozak is traded before training camp or is demoted to the second line, and given the fact that he has a new contract with the money that he wanted, it'll be his last chance to prove himself. With all of these reasons to perform well right in front of him, I think Kadri is ready to finally establish himself as a solid top six NHLer.

@PHUHobson Where do you see the Leafs finishing standings wise next year?

— Anthony Fusco (@FuscoNation16) August 23, 2015

Realistically, I can see the Leafs finishing in the bottom five. The two of the three teams that finished in the bottom three last year, the Sabres and Oilers, are looking up for this coming season after acquiring several pieces to boulster their roster. Meanwhile, the Leafs lost their best goal scorer in Phil Kessel and will likely continue to unload players between now and the trade deadline. Even teams such as the Arizona Coyotes could surprise around the league and finish higher than expected, but as of now, it's not looking like the Leafs will do any better than last year.

@PHUHobson Hockey culture in Toronto last year was embarrassing, with jerseys on the ice and whatnot. How long until that changes? Will it?

— Cassy (@_MAF29) August 23, 2015

This is arguably the most cringeworthy topic anyone could bring up with a Leafs fan. Unfortunately, the culture has been terrible over the past few years. From the brutal media to the poor excuses of fans that throw jerseys on the ice after a loss, nothing has gone right for the Leafs culture off the ice. That being said, if the Leafs put a better product on the ice and dress players that play like they want to be there, then you could see changes in the way the media and the fans treat the team itself. There will always be the odd number of spectators that give their fellow fans a bad name, but hopefully the spirit and hockey culture will change throughout the next couple of years.

Thanks for reading, everyone!