NHL Insider believes Toronto Maple Leafs have the team to make a run in 2024/25

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Tom Banks
August 16, 2024 (1:24 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Auston Matthews their new captain, and according to one insider, it could be the move to launch them into the Stanley Cup.

In a whirlwind week for the Toronto Maple Leafs, No. 34 Auston Matthews became the team's newest captain after John Tavares stepped aside in shock fashion earlier this week.

For some, the move has raised questions about the present and the future of the team, especially with the presence of former captain John Tavares, but now, NHL Insider Eddie Olczyk has declared this may be the move to catapult Toronto into a deep run.

«I just believe this is the year. I'm expecting a run. What's the run? I don't know. But there's no doubt in my mind that they have the team to give themselves a chance to get to the final four teams in the National Hockey League." Olczyk said in a phone interview with the TSN on Thursday.

It's unclear what other changes are coming along with this move, but given the potential additions of Easton Cowan and/or Fraser Minten, as well as upgrades in net and on the blue line, there's reason for genuine optimism in Toronto. This is the same story we hear each and every year, but with Sheldon Keefe replaced by Craig Berube and genuine shakeups to the lineup, it may be true in 2024/25, and even with the might of the Eastern Conference, there's still a belief in this team moving forward.

Source: SportsKeeda
Eddie Olczyk optimistic of Toronto Maple Leafs' final four chances next season