Pro Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs at a glance

Posted October 03, 2016 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

LAST SEASON: 29-42-11, 69 points. Finished last in Atlantic Division and NHL.

COACH: Mike Babcock (second season, 14th NHL season)

ADDED: C Auston Matthews, D Roman Polak, G Frederik Andersen.

LOST: F P.A. Parenteau, F Brad Boyes, G Jonathan Bernier.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Auston Matthews. Coach Mike Babcock said he plans to start Matthews as the team's No. 1 center, giving him a chance to earn a larger role. The Maple Leafs chose the 6-foot-3, 216-pound Matthews No. 1 overall, their first top pick in the NHL draft since 1985. He was born in California, moved to Arizona and played in Switzerland last season.

OUTLOOK: The Maple Leafs will be much better, as Babcock predicted. They will fail, however, to make the playoffs for the 11th time in 12 years. Toronto is committed to rebuilding slowly, trying to focus on drafting and developing while avoiding the temptation to overspending for free agents.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Hockey NHL Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.