Bold Prediction: The Maple Leafs Will Make the 2016-17 NHL Playoffs

By Alex Hobson

I can read your mind. I know that you clicked on this link thinking "What?! You're crazy!" and I know that for a fact. Mike Babcock, the man who hates losing with a passion said there would be pain, so why would I have this crazy theory thought up that the Leafs could be a playoff team in the second year of this rebuild? Well, allow me to explain myself.

We have seen cases like this with other NHL teams in the past. For example, the Colorado Avalanche were a lottery team for a couple of years, they got the first overall pick in 2013 which they used to select Nathan Mackinnon from the Halifax Mooseheads, and what happened the following year? They finished the season a few points shy of the President's Trophy, therefore making the playoffs. They lost in a heartbreaker to the Minnesota Wild in round one, but it was anyone's series. What's another example of this? In 2014, the Calgary Flames did bad enough to secure the fourth overall pick in the draft, which they used to pick Sam Bennett. The following season, they made it to the second round of the playoffs following a solid rookie campaign from Johnny Gaudreau.

I'm not saying this exact scenario will happen to the Maple Leafs, but if you've been watching any games this season, they look much better than their record shows. They have outplayed most of their opponents each game, and their goaltending looks better thanks to a collection of solid outings from James Reimer, and their special teams are clicking. This, along with youth such as Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly stepping up into bigger roles is helping the Leafs play a better game than their record shows.

In my opinion, this season is the last time the Leafs are going to go the route of signing veterans to one year contracts, getting them to the top of their games, and trading them at the deadline for draft picks. They might have one or two of those veterans in next season, but like I said in my last article, I think they'll have top end prospects such as Mitch Marner and William Nylander up on the team. Nylander is NHL ready on the offensive side of the game, and his defensive game has improved greatly according to Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe, and it would not make sense to send Marner back to the OHL for another yaer while he's producing at a 2 PPG pace, given that he can't report to the AHL next season.

So what's the point i'm trying to get at? I think there is a chance. A long shot perhaps, but with the coaching skills of Mike Babcock combined with the stepping up of Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly into bigger roles and big seasons from our young guns, it's entirely possible that the Leafs break out and make the playoffs. Will they continue making the playoffs consistently after next season? Probably not. But it's possible we see it happen next year.

3 Leafs Prospects Who Could Make the Team in 2016-17

By Alex Hobson

The future. The most talked about time among Leafs fans. This year, despite their recent success, the Leafs aren't expected to do anything besides sell at the deadline and finish the season with high hopes of a good draft pick. That being said, next year could potentially look to have a brighter turnout for the Leafs and their fans, with top prospects having a higher chance to make the big club. With that, I present to you my three picks of prospects who I believe are going to get their chance next season.

1. William Nylander, C/RW

Wow. Not much else needs to be said about Will Ny the Hockey Guy. The 8th overall pick in 2014 started his first season since being drafted with MODO, his former Swedish Club, and halfway through the season he left and joined the Leafs affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. The Canadian born Swede is now tearing up the AHL in his second season, registering 19 points in 14 games as a 19 year old. The coaches believe he is NHL ready, but want to let him tear up the AHL for one final year as well as work on his defensive and physical side of the game. He has serious potential to crack the lineup next year.

2. Mitch Marner, C/RW
In my opinion, Marner isn't as NHL ready as Nylander, but I strongly believe that sending him back to junior would be a mistake. He is currently producing at a two point per game pace for the OHL's London Knights right now with 32 points in 16 games, so sending him back again next year wouldn't help his development at all. Unfortunately, due to the CHL/AHL agreement, Marner is not eligible to play for the Marlies until he turns 20, so letting him play for the Leafs would be a much better option.

3. Josh Leivo, LW

Nobody on the Marlies has outwaited his chance at a full time NHL role than this guy. The former 3rd round pick in 2011 didn't have a great season for the Marlies last year, recording only 32 points in 51 games for the Baby Leafs, but he's been one of their top producers this season with 14 points in 13 games. He has a good defensive game as well as a pretty good offensive game, and he's showed strides of a good NHL player in his total 16 games with the big club, so he could very well see himself playing for the Leafs full time next year.

Thanks for reading.

Three Youngsters Thriving Under Mike Babcock

By Alex Hobson

When you look at their record, the Leafs are off to an atrocious start. A record of 2-8-4 is absolutely nothing to be proud of. However, we've seen some bright spots throughout the year. For one, the team actually looks like they're playing in hopes of winning rather than giving 50% every game, and they've kept almost every game close so far this season, they just don't have enough top end players to do it (Nylander, Marner, and Kapanen among others will be up soon enough to fill that need). However, lots of the Leafs young players look like they're at home this season. Let's take a look at three youngsters thriving under Mike Babcock.

1. Jake Gardiner

Gardiner is one of those players who's biggest enemy is consistency. He can be a great player at times, and can be a force offensively, but he can also be the worst player on the ice at times. He clashed with former head coach Randy Carlyle during his time here, but Babcock seems to trust him enough to give him top line minutes alongside of Dion Phaneuf. He hasn't racked up the points so far, with only 2 points in 11 games, but he used to be a defensive liability, and has improved that game greatly. He has been played on the penalty kill and he can be trusted in the defensive zone. He still has time to find his offensive game.

2. Nazem Kadri

Kadri is essentially the forward version of Jake Gardiner. Oozes skill, but struggles with consistency and needs a coach that trusts him in order to perform. Kadri was given the #1 centre job he thought he deserved this season, and he's been performing very well. He only has 6 points in 14 games, but his defensive game has also improved, and he can really throw the body. He's a swift skater and if he keeps performing at the rate he is right now, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him score an extension this summer.

3. Morgan Rielly

What else can be said about Mo-Ri? He had a pretty good season last year, but man, is he stepping up. He is slowly developing into an elite defenseman. Currently leading the Leafs in points as a defenseman with 10 in 14 games, he's really showing that he can be a top end defenseman in the NHL some day. His defensive game is improving and he's turning into a solid all around defenseman. He can quarterback a powerplay and his skating ability is something special. He has all the tools to develop into a 60 point defenseman in the future.

Thanks for reading.

Leafs October Prospect Update: Volume 4 - AHL Edition

By Alex Hobson

Welcome back to the final part to my four part monthly prospect update for your beloved Maple Leafs. Today, we cover the final league where prospects are currently playing, the AHL. More specifically, the Toronto Marlies. This will likely be the longest piece out of the four given that the majority of their team is composed of prospects. There are a few key players worth noting here, so let's take a look at how they're doing.

Casey Bailey, C (Signed as undrafted free agent in 2015)

When the Leafs signed Bailey to a two year entry level contract in March 2015, he was expected to join the Leafs for the remainder of their final six games so that they could get a glimpse of how he played, and he was expected to join the Marlies the following year. He is currently having a decent season, with 2 points in 5 games.

Antoine Bibeau, G (6th round, 172nd overall in 2013)

Bibeau is off to a great start for the Marlies. Sharing starting time with Garret Sparks, he's sporting a 5-1-0 record with a .908 save percentage and 2.17 goals against average, which was good enough to earn himself a call up to the Leafs after Jonathan Bernier was injured. He has yet to play in an NHL game, but it's possible he could see his first start this weekend in a back to back series.

Connor Brown, LW (6th round, 156th overall in 2012)

Brown was one of the most hyped players heading into the 2015-16 AHL season. After leading the Marlies in scoring in his first pro season, and leading all rookies throughout the league, he deemed himself as one of their top reliable goal scorers. Unfortunately, Brown fractured his foot in his eighth game with the Marlies and is out indefinitely. He was able to put up 4 points during that time.

Sam Carrick, C (5th round, 144th overall in 2010)

Carrick has all the tools to be an effective future bottom six centre in the NHL. While he doesn't have the offensive talent to be a scorer, he's gritty, good defensively, and plays with tons of heart. He currently has 2 points in 9 games for the Baby Leafs.

Frank Corrado, D (5th round, 150th overall in 2011 by Vancouver, acquired via waivers)

The Leafs picked Corrado up on waivers in early October 2015, and he practiced with the team for a few days before being sent to the AHL for a conditioning stint. He put up 3 points in 6 games for the Marlies, and has recently been recalled to the Leafs, but has yet to suit up for the big club.

Byron Froese, C (4th round, 119th overall in 2009 by Chicago, acquired via free agency)

The only reason i'm putting Froese on this list is because even though he's spent the majority of the start of the season with the Leafs, he's still considered a prospect and has suited up for the Marlies. The Winkler, Manitoba native went from playing in the ECHL to earning himself a contract with the Leafs. He put up 3 goals in 4 games for the Marlies and has recorded one assist in six games for the Leafs.

Frederik Gauthier, C (1st round, 23rd overall in 2013)

Gauthier was one of the few first round picks in 2013 that was drafted for his defensive game and size rather than skill. He's sporting a bottom six role with the Marlies and has recorded 3 points in 9 games for the team.

Petter Granberg, D (4th round, 116th overall in 2010)

Granberg has not suited up for a single game for the Marlies this season, so there really isn't much to say about the defensive defenseman at this point.

Zach Hyman, C (5th round, 123rd overall in 2010 by Florida, acquired via trade)

After refusing to sign with the team that originally drafted him in the Florida Panthers, he was traded to the Leafs along with a 7th round pick for fellow prospect Greg McKegg. Hyman is currently off to a rather slow start with the Marlies, recording only 3 points in 8 games for the team, but he's expected to pick it up sooner rather than later.

Kasperi Kapanen, RW (1st round, 22nd overall in 2014 by Pittsburgh, acquired via trade)

One of the main pieces coming back in the famous Phil Kessel trade, Kapanen was expected to be a mainstay on the Marlies this season. He's currently in a minor slump, recording only 2 goals in 7 games, but much like Hyman, is expected to pick it up in the near future.

Brendan Leipsic, LW (3rd round, 89th overall in 2013 by Nashville, acquired via trade)

The small but gritty forward who is comparable to former fan favourite Darcy Tucker was brought in as a prospect when the Leafs traded Mike Santorelli and Cody Franson to Nashville. He's having a solid campaign for the Marlies right now, and has recorded 6 points in 9 games.

Josh Leivo, LW (3rd round, 86th overall in 2011)

Leivo has been one of the most consistent players on the Marlies since making his debut in 2013-14. He currently has 8 points in 9 games, and will likely be one of their first go-to callups pending any injuries at forward.

Viktor Loov, D (7th round, 209th overall in 2012)

The big swedish defenseman showed signs of being a future solid NHL defenseman at training camp this season, being able to skate fast despite his large size and being able to unleash a booming slapshot. He's currently got 3 points in 8 games for the Marlies this year.

William Nylander, C/RW (1st round, 8th overall in 2014)

What else can be said about Will Ny the hockey guy? He's currently the most consistent scorer on the Marlies and is leading them in points with 5 goals and 9 points in 9 games. He showed signs of being NHL ready during preseason and probably could have made an impact had they left him on the team, but management wanted to make sure he was more than ready before letting him stay on the team. He will likely earn himself a spot next season.

Stuart Percy, D (1st round, 25th overall in 2011)

Stuart Percy is that guy that somehow always goes under the radar, but he's been one of the Leafs' most consistent and reliable prospects. He doesn't really have a strength, but doesn't really have a weakness either. He can be relied on in all three zones and is a player you can trust in all situations. He currently has 3 points in 9 games, so not outstanding totals but again, good solid player at both ends of the ice.

Ryan Rupert, LW (6th round, 157th overall in 2012)

Rupert is a player similar to that of Brendan Leipsic. Small, gritty, but has an offensive kick to his game. He's put up 3 goals and 4 points in 7 games so far for the Marlies.

Nikita Soshnikov, RW (Signed as undrafted free agent in 2015)

Soshnikov was highly touted coming into training camp because of the fact that he's a solid offensive player despite the fact that he wasn't drafted. He's having a good season for the Marlies this year, with 6 points in 11 games. He could potentially crack the roster next season.

Garret Sparks, G (7th round, 190th overall in 2011)

Sparks found himself playing for the Leafs' ECHL affiliate in 2014-15 after losing to Chris Gibson and Antoine Bibeau for the starting job. Since then Gibson was traded to the Islanders and Sparks has made himself at home in the 1B role for the Marlies. He currently has a 3-2-0 record with a .933 save percentage.

Thanks for reading. The next update for this series will come at the beginning of December.

Leafs October Prospect Update: Volume 3 - Europe Edition

By Alex Hobson

Welcome back to part three of my four part series, updating you on the future of the Leafs around the world. I have gotten really busy over the past few days, which is why this piece is late, but I plan to get me next and final two articles out over the next few days. Today, we take a look at how Leafs prospects playing in Europe panned out over the month of October.

Pierre Engvall, Mora IK, LW (7th round, 188th overall in 2014)

One of their prospects that goes somewhat unheard of based on the lack of coverage, Engvall is having a pretty good campaign with Mora IK this season. His first full season as a pro, the 6'4, 200lb power forward currently has 6 points in 17 games. Not bad for a rookie playing in a men's league.

Andreas Johnson, Frolunda HC, LW (7th round, 202nd overall in 2013)

This kid may end up being one of the biggest steals the Leafs have seen in recent history. He was taken in the last round of the 2013 draft and since then has shown that he has potential to become a solid goal scorer in the NHL. The Gavle, Sweden native has so far registered 15 points in 16 games for Frolunda, in what appears to be his last season with the team. He is expected to join an already stacked Marlies team next season.

Fabrice Herzog, ZSC Lions, LW (5th round, 132nd overall in 2013)
Another prospect that flies under the radar because of where he plays. There isn't very much Leafs coverage in Switzerland, but the Frauenfield, SUI native is making himself known as a good offensive player playing on the same team as projected 2016 first overall pick Auston Matthews, recording 13 points in 17 games.

Jesper Lindgren, MODO Hockey, D (4th round, 95th overall in 2015)

This defenseman is unfortunately off to a rather slow start playing for MODO, failing to record a single point over 15 games and dealing with a below average -7. He had a decent campaign with 4 points in 3 games with MODO J20, but needs to step up his game with the big club.

Thank you guys for reading. Next time, we'll take a look at their prospects on the Toronto Marlies.