Early Doubts, Late Belief: Ex-Leafs Forward Turned Analyst Affirms Toronto Now Built to Peak at the Right Time
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Former Leafs forward Brian Boyle urged Leafs Nation to have patience with the Leafs' new-look forward group, and believes they will be rewarded come playoff time.
Throughout the summer, the talk in Toronto was about how the Leafs would 'change the DNA' of their team following the departure of Mitch Marner.
Bringing in the likes of Dakota Joshua, Matias Maccelli and Nicolas Roy, among others, did just that, but we won't know if the changes will result in more playoff success until April.
Ahead of Tuesday's opening night, The NHL Network dove deep into each of the 32 teams, breaking down their rosters and potential for a successful season.
When breaking down the Leafs' new roster, former Leafs forward Brian Boyle shared that he believes the start of the season will be a struggle, but that the Leafs will be better equipped for playoff hockey.
"They could not get over the hump with how they were constructed," explained Boyle. "This is a different Toronto Maple Leafs team. Their DNA has changed. They are not what they once were. They still have a ton of ability and a ton of talent and they know what the grind is going to take and it's a little more than what they've given over the past few years. As constructed, I would like this team a little bit less in October, November, December, but I like them a little bit more in February, March, April."
Boyle's co-host, another former NHLer in Mike Rupp, has had his fair share of controversial takes, agreed with Boyle, praising GM Brad Treliving for building such a deep forward group.
"I think this is the best forward group to win in April, May and June than the Leafs have had in quite some time."
For fans of the Leafs, patience will once again be needed, but likely more than in past seasons as the new forward group and Craig Berube find chemistry with each other.
If they are able to, there is no reason not to believe that the club could finally go on a deep post-season run, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding the health of key members of the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
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