The lack of urgency from this team at key times has been a major concern. Obviously all of the elimination games that they inevitably lose come to mind, but also John Tavares’ return to Long Island, where they didn’t offer an ounce of effort all game long, Auston Matthews’ first game in Arizona, which should … Read more
The start of a brand new season is finally here. Following a summer that, for me, brought changes that were both very real (Sheldon Keefe out, Craig Berube in) and nothing more than aesthetics (John Tavares stripped of his captaincy, in favour of Auston Matthews), I have mixed feelings about what to expect this season. … Read more
I don’t put a lot of stock into preseason games. If you’re a fan of a rebuilding team there are certainly more storylines to follow, as young players attempt to stake claim to roster spots and get a foothold in the NHL. If you’re a fan of a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who … Read more
This may be the last few predictions I make before the actual season starts so I’m going to go off the rails in some places, while others may barely constitute a prediction. Either way, if I miss something that you have foreseen, feel free to drop it in the comments section. Joseph Woll will cement … Read more
As we continue down the Prediction Season road, we’ll take a look at how the Atlantic Division standings may fall into place by season’s end. Again, like my previous predictions, this is always a fun exercise because of the silliness of it. A major injury, a new coach that props up or deflates a team, … Read more
The Leafs held strong on Nicholas Robertson over the summer and finally inked him to a new contract this week: At just 1 year and $875K, I think this is a deal that works for both sides from a business standpoint. Robertson doesn’t want to play for Toronto long term, that much is clear, while … Read more
The start of the Leafs’ season is closing in quickly, with just 2 weeks to go before the start of training camp and a month to go before opening night. With the start of a new season comes new expectations for individual players, coaches, how the team plays as a unit and the teams end … Read more
It’s a dark day for the NHL, as Columbus Blue Jacket forward, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, have tragically passed away. A statement from the Blue Jackets: From everybody at puckinleafs, our deepest condolences go out to Matthew and Johnny’s family, friends, teammates, the Blue Jackets’ organization and fans. May you both rest in … Read more
By now we’re all fully aware that Nicholas Robertson has asked to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization, as he is looking for a fresh start somewhere else: While it also appears that GM Brad Treliving would prefer to keep Robertson in the fold, as he has stated that they’re hoping he reconsiders his stance … Read more
The AHL is a different beast than the NHL. It’s a development league, in essence. Yes, there are players that make a career out of riding the bus in the minors, but the vast majority that find themselves pulling on a jersey in the AHL have aspirations of making the NHL. It’s for this reason … Read more