With the opening puck drop of the Toronto Maple Leafs 2019/2020 NHL season looming, I thought I would take this opportunity to make a few bold predictions regarding the blue and white this year. 

Tell me if you agree or disagree in the comments section below. 

Auston Matthews wins The Rocket Richard 

If the Mustachioed Maniac can stay healthy this year and play a full season, we will see the best 5 on 5 goal-scorer in the league win his first career Rocket Richard trophy with a tally of 55+ goals.  Watch for him to benefit from an improved powerplay. 

Mitch Marner reaches 100pts 

Mo Money will translate to Mo Problems for opposing defences this year as Mitchy Marner will have his first 30 goal season and 70+ assists to crack 100 pts in his 2019/2020 campaign. 

Frederik Anderson Vezina nomination/win 

Freddie has been close for the last two seasons but with a better blueline in front of him this season there’s no reason to think that he won’t be a Vezina candidate and possible winner by season’s end. 

John Tavares scores 50 

Johnny T was 3 shy of the mark last season and will achieve the feat this time around due to an ever improving Marner as well as powerplay. 

Reilly had his most productive campaign last year and with an improved team I only expect his numbers to climb.  He will have to contend with the Lightning’s Victor Hedman and Duck Dynasty’s Brent Burns but I think he’ll pull it off.   

The Leafs win the President’s Trophy?   

Tampa is going to come out with a vengeance after last year’s 1st round spanking at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the Leafs will be right there fighting for top spot.  I don’t really care if the Buds win this award as making it out of the 1st round is more important. 

Leafs make the Eastern Conference Final 

Of course, I’m rooting for my team to win Lord Stanley’s chalice but at the very least I expect the first Conference Final appearance since 2002. 

“You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one…”