The definition of insanity is predicting a Leafs Stanley Cup victory over and over, and still paying $20 per beer to watch you be disproven.

Greetings, members of Leafs Nation who live in Hockeybuzzton!

Welcome to the Official 2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction Thread!

It's sad and pathetic I need to give you the same advice every year for formatting. Gawd, you people are losers. Use the template below (hit return, then delete {quote=Atomic Wedgie} at the top, and {/quote} at the bottom) and fill out your predictions for the year. Also, please cut out all words above the dotted line.

There are no real rules - put down point totals, beeyotchy insults, general thoughts - I don't particularly care.

PLEASE NOTE: if you are a fan of another team and don't want to make Leaf-specific predictions, that's great! Do what you want - fill in predictions for your own team, for just the league-wide predictions - we are just happy to have your participation.

As per every year, Dozzer will graciously lock this thread at puck-drop time on opening night, so that all of our predictions will be preserved – even if they all go rotten.

DO NOT DISCUSS OTHER GUYS' PREDICTIONS IN THIS THREAD!

Do that in the main Leafs threads. But simple rule - if you want to rip a guy a new one for a stupid prediction, you had better have made your own (stupid) predictions first.

There are no prizes. I will not declare an official winner. Rather, the purpose of this exercise is for you to demonstrate your Leafy geniousness, and to allow others to witness your glory.

So without further ado...

CUT EVERYTHING ABOVE HERE
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I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because:

My best prediction from last year was:

My worst prediction from last year was:

The Leafs will finish:

The main reason for this is:

The biggest surprise will be:

The biggest disappointment will be:

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was:

If I was GM, I would have:

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to:

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs:


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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:

Easton Cowan:

Connor Dewar:

Max Domi:

Nikita Grebenkin:

Pontus Holmberg:

Calle Jarnkrok:

David Kampf:

Matthew Knies:

Mitch Marner:

Auston Matthews:

Bobby McMann:

Fraser Minten:

William Nylander:

Ryan Reaves:

Nicholas Robertson:

Alex Steeves:

John Tavares:

Max Pacioretty:

Alex Nylander:


Defence

Simon Benoit:

Oliver Ekman-Larsson:

Jani Hakanpää:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake McCabe:

Morgan Rielly:

Chris Tanev:

Conor Timmins:


Goalies

Matt Murray:

Anthony Stolarz:

Joseph Woll:


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Wildcard teams - East:

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Wildcard teams - West:

Last place team overall:

Most surprising team:

Most disappointing team:

My wild, wacky hot-take:

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:

Art Ross winner:

Hart winner:

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:

Richard winner:


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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner:

Eastern Conference winner:

Stanley Cup winner:

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because:

My best prediction from last year was: none of them

My worst prediction from last year was: all of them

The Leafs will finish:tied for 3rd in the Atlantic, tie breaker will put them in 4th in the Atlantic and still make the playoffs

The main reason for this is:#41

The biggest surprise will be:

The biggest disappointment will be: Woll due to injury

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: new coaching staff

If I was GM, I would have:

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to:

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: Leafs will be playing in the 3rd round of the playoffs.


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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:

Easton Cowan: back to Jrs

Connor Dewar:

Max Domi:

Nikita Grebenkin:

Pontus Holmberg:

Calle Jarnkrok:

David Kampf:

Matthew Knies: 23G 18A

Mitch Marner: 33G 89A

Auston Matthews: 70G 65A

Bobby McMann:11G 19A

Fraser Minten:

William Nylander: 42A 51A

Ryan Reaves:3G 8A

Nicholas Robertson:

Alex Steeves:

John Tavares: 25G 28A

Max Pacioretty: 8G 22A

Alex Nylander:


Defence

Simon Benoit: 2G 19A

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 9G 22A

Jani Hakanpää:2G 8A

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake McCabe:7G 15A

Morgan Rielly:14G 20A

Chris Tanev:9G 18A

Conor Timmins:


Goalies

Matt Murray:

Anthony Stolarz:

Joseph Woll:


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):Florida, TB, Ottawa/Leafs

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Wildcard teams - East:

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Wildcard teams - West:

Last place team overall:

Most surprising team:

Most disappointing team:

My wild, wacky hot-take: Marner got signed to a 12.5M/8 with the Leafs

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:

Art Ross winner:

Hart winner:

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:

Richard winner:


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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner:

Eastern Conference winner:

Stanley Cup winner:

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: What makes a person the "greatest" leafs fan? I have a busy-ish life so I cant watch every game or care about every prospect or call up. I watch a game here or there but I'm mainly interested in playoffs. So no, I'm not the greatest leafs fan in that regard.

My best prediction from last year was: Cant remember, but I believe I did pick the oilers to make the finals.

My worst prediction from last year was: Cant remember, but a couple of items Im sure

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the Atlantic

The main reason for this is: Because they will have the 2nd most points in the Atlantic division

The biggest surprise will be: The leafs make the 2nd round and hopefully the 3rd.

The biggest disappointment will be: TDL for some. Some will post throughout the season every twitter rumour about any player that are mentioned in the same post as the leafs and that they should get. But I dont see Tre moving out alot of picks unless its a great player with term and a roster player goes the other way. Also, the older vets that were added in the off season wont live up to some peoples expectations......I have a bad feeling Tanev could be injured alot. I really hope Im wrong.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): I don't feel like anyone on the team "sucks". But I do have reservations about OEL....not a fan of that contract or term. Hoping he does well.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Tavares. People we knew his contract would suck the last two years but he's still a good player. Also, Im sure some will whine about Marner all season (hopefully not justified)

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: New coach. I liked our old coach and Im sure he'll do well in Jersey now that they have a great goalie. But this team needed a new voice and look. Not to say the new coach will be so much better....but a new voice was needed.

If I was GM, I would have: The leafs didnt have a lot cap to do many things. I would moved out Kampf....or maybe Jankrok. Also sign knies to a 5 year $4m contract now in case he gets hot this season.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: Way too early to tell, they have yet to play a reg season game. Also, they dont have a lot of picks...so hopefully they dont have to do much

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: Relax. Its just hockey. It shouldnt impact your life too much either way......oh and the LEAFS ARE (frank)ING WINNING THE CUP WOO HOO!!!


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THE LEAFS
Don't care about how many points the players get - show me what you can do in the playoffs.


THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Florida, Toronto, who cares

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Devils, canes, dont care

Wildcard teams - East: Ugh, sens, wings maybe?

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): stars, Nash, Avs

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Oilers, knights, canucks.

Wildcard teams - West: JEts

Last place team overall: Bluejackets - probably a rough year. Understandable.

Most surprising team: Nashville

Most disappointing team: Hoping the pens.

My wild, wacky hot-take:

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:

Art Ross winner: Dont care about any of the trophies.

Hart winner:

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:

Richard winner:


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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Nashville but hoping its the Oilers

Eastern Conference winner: Hoping the Leafs? But to be leafy, the devils.

Stanley Cup winner: Dont care unless its the Leafs. But I guess Nashville if the Leafs and Oilers dont make it.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: I don’t expect to be that since it doesn’t exist?

My best prediction from last year was: sadly it was that Jones played more than hoped

My worst prediction from last year was: that Samsonov was overjudged by the media, no he wasn’t.

The Leafs will finish: 1st overall of course

The main reason for this is: they’re damn amazing

The biggest surprise will be: Matthew Knies

The biggest disappointment will be: Nicholas Robertson

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Timothy Liljegren. He’s being dropped in the leafs roster because thankfully the new GM and new coach can see this.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): David Kampf. He’s a 4th line C, what are you expecting?

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: primarily make the owner Rogers I guess?

If I was GM, I would have: moved Robertson, the forward wingers are already too bloody small up on the top 6 except Knies of course.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: be prepared for anything. Who knows which guys will work great under the new coach and who will look like poop

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: Jake Muzzin liked nachos?


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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese: he’ll do good for the Marlies

Easton Cowan: he’ll be focusing on defensive play under the Hunters for the Knights

Connor Dewar: 10-15P depending how long he’s hurt?

Max Domi: 10G 30A

Nikita Grebenkin: a Marlie with an occasional callup

Pontus Holmberg: 10-15P

Calle Jarnkrok: 15G 40A

David Kampf: 5G 5A

Matthew Knies: 20G 35A

Mitch Marner: 25G 75A

Auston Matthews: 75G 40A

Bobby McMann: 15G 30A

Fraser Minten: a Marlie as well

William Nylander: 30G 50A (staying at C, 40G 60A on the wing)

Ryan Reaves: a dozen fights

Nicholas Robertson: if he doesn’t get hurt? 20G 20A

Alex Steeves: 10P somehow?

John Tavares: 20G 50A

Max Pacioretty: 25G 30A

Alex Nylander: a Marlie vet?


Defence

Simon Benoit: 15A and maaaaayyyybe a goal

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 18G 30A

Jani Hakanpää: 10A and maaaaayyyybe a goal

Timothy Liljegren: 10G 12A

Jake McCabe: 8G 25A

Morgan Rielly: 20G 35A

Chris Tanev: 5G 10A

Conor Timmins: 2G 12A


Goalies

Matt Murray: 6W 2L 3.25GAA

Anthony Stolarz: 18W 6L 2.98GAA

Joseph Woll: 40W 10L 2.01GAA


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):
Maple Leafs
Panthers
Bruins

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):
Hurricanes
Devils
Rangers

Wildcard teams - East:
Penguins
Red Wings


Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):
Stars
Predators
Avalanche

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):
Canucks
Oilers
Golden Knights

Wildcard teams - West:
Jets
Kings

Last place team overall:
Sharks

Most surprising team:
Blue Jackets

Most disappointing team:
Canadiens

My wild, wacky hot-take:
The Red Wings will be far better than expected

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:
Giordano

Art Ross winner:
Auston Matthews

Hart winner:
Auston Matthews

Norris winner:
Cake Makar

Calder winner:
Macklin Celebrini

Vezina winner:
Joseph Woll

Richard winner:
Auston Matthews

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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Dallas Stars

Eastern Conference winner: Maple Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Maple Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Auston Matthews

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because:

I'm not. I just some Florida Man with a not-so-secret Leafs fetish.

My best prediction from last year was:

I got pretty close on my Matthews prediction and I'll make a similar prediction again.

My worst prediction from last year was:

Reaver. I thought he would be more useful. He was not. He wasn't even good by murder pylon standards.

The Leafs will finish:

They will finish in the top-7 of the standings.

The main reason for this is:

It is where the should be.

The biggest surprise will be:

Knies will dominate at 5v5.

The biggest disappointment will be:

Reaves. Again.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

I'll get back to you on this one.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

I'll get back to you on this one.

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was:

I'll get back to you on this one.

If I was GM, I would have:

Demanded to see the Babcock pics on every player's phone.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to:

Further improve the team's ability to make a deep postseason run and win a cup. Probably shore up the defense or goaltending if Woll, Tanev, or Haaktuah end up on Robidas Island or Isle de la Muzzin.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs:

They need to hire Syrup Girl as team ambassador

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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese: Meh.

Easton Cowan: Gets an extended look, does well, gets sent back down to marinate.

Connor Dewar: Meh.

Max Domi: Remains an overall positive asset and makes pop Tie proud.

Nikita Grebenkin: Gets sent to the front outside Chasiv Yar and is never heard from again.

Pontus Holmberg: Gets 10+ goals and becomes a reliable bottom six guy.

Calle Jarnkrok: Gets 10+ goals and remains a reliable bottom six guy.

David Kampf: Continues to do Kampf things and be Kampfy.

Matthew Knies: Dominates. Gets 25ish goals and has nice 5v5 fancy stats.

Mitch Marner: Aaaah, Mitchy. WTF do we do with Mitch? In a perfect world, you pay him a ton of money and keep him. I have a feeling this might be his last season in Toronto. I think he will put up 100-ish points this year to keep his value high while pursuing his options.

Auston Matthews: Just give the Rocket to him again. Better yet, rename it the Matthews Trophy.

Bobby McMann: 10+ goals and a reliable bottom six option.

Fraser Minten: I'll get back to you on this one.

William Nylander: Gets into a friendly competition with Matthews for the Rocket. Ends up in the top-5 league wide for goals.

Ryan Reaves: Continues to be an albatross on the cap. Bury this guy in the minors.

Nicholas Robertson: Not sure what to think of this kid. Let's give him the middling prediction and say he gets 10-15 goals and tries to be a middle six guy, but might get traded.

Alex Steeves: I'll get back to you on this one.

John Tavares: Assuming he's not desperately needed at C, he plays the wing and takes on a Stamkos-like role, moves up and down the lineup. Probably blows his achilles and retires before joining the front office.

Max Pacioretty: Looks like a steal until his ankles explode and shower bones fragments over the nearest bench and into the crowd. If not, then he gets 15-17 goals and 35-ish points while becoming a "clutch guy".

Alex Nylander: Helps maintain his brother's hat collection.


Defence

Simon Benoit: Hopefully solidifies a spot for himself on the roster.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Is a tire fire inside a dumpster.

Jani Hakanpää: Provides an Ulf Samuelsson-like presence until both knees explode in a shower of bone fragments that permanently blinds a linesman. Ends up selling timeshares on Robidas Island for a brief time.

Timothy Liljegren: Reveals himself to be the tooth fairy before gently flying away on a light breeze.

Jake McCabe: Does solid McCabe things.

Morgan Rielly: Flourishes with Tanev healthy. Ends up being asked to do far too much again if Tanev goes down.

Chris Tanev: Is as-advertised if he can stay healthy. Rielly is praying for him.

Conor Timmins: Will get an opportunity to show what he's got, if he can dodge the flying bone fragments.


Goalies

Matt Murray: Pulls a Jones and makes some surprisingly good starts if injuries happen. If not, he gets waived, traded, retires, Robidas Island again, hell, I don't know.

Anthony Stolarz: Competes for the starter role if Woll fumbles or goes down.

Joseph Woll: Does a solid job if he can stay healthy.


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Leafs, Carolina, Tampa

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Don't care. The Metro can (frank) itself.

Wildcard teams - East: Detroit and New Jersey.

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Don't care.

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Really really don't care, I'm asleep by that time.

Wildcard teams - West: Hell I don't know, Chicago and somebody maybe.

Last place team overall: Buffalo. Because they are good at suffering, but maybe Ottawa also for the same reasons.

Most surprising team: Pittsburgh. They have one last hurrah before they finally die.

Most disappointing team: Utah. It's not a real place that exists. It was made up by AI.

My wild, wacky hot-take:Get rid of the stupid shootout and have 10-min overtimes at 4v4 and call it a tie afterwards if nobody scores.

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: A bunch of pylons, like Reaves.

Art Ross winner: Probably McDavid.

Hart winner: Probably McDavid.

Norris winner: I don't know, but I'd like it to be Rielly.

Calder winner: I have no idea. Rookies are voodoo.

Vezina winner: Vasilevskiy will be in the running after a resurgence.

Richard winner: Matthews and it is renamed the Matthews Trophy.


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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Don't care.

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: KNIES.