3 Way-Too-Early Maple Leafs Predictions for the 2025-26 Season – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

We are slowly pushing through the dog days of summer, and as we inch closer to the start of the 2025-26 training camp and preseason on Sept. 20, there are a lot of questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs. Most of them revolve around the departure of Mitch Marner and how well the team will perform without him. Now that we have already covered their top storylines, it is time to look at three way-too-early Maple Leafs predictions for the 2025-26 season.

Maple Leafs Will Win the Atlantic Division Again

First up, I am predicting that the Maple Leafs will win the Atlantic Division for the second time in a row. Last year they managed to do it without Auston Matthews being healthy for most of the season. That led to Marner carrying the team into the battle. This season, Matthews should be healthy, which will allow him to return to form. There will also be more responsibility and playing time for William Nylander, which could help him reach the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. On top of that, they brought back the same defense core that was dominant last season as well as the same goalie tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, which was the best in the NHL.

Related: Maple Leafs’ Knies & Matthews Named to U.S. Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp

Of course, anything can happen, but aside from the Florida Panthers the Maple Leafs look like the next biggest threat in the Atlantic Division. If head coach Craig Berube can guide this team the way he did last season, they have a real shot at finishing back on top of the Atlantic Division.

Matthew Knies Will Hit 40 Goals, 40 Assists, and 200 Hits

This is hands down the easiest prediction to make on this list. After the season Matthew Knies just had, he should expect an increase in production. With the departure of Marner and more ice time available, Knies has a real chance to hit 40 goals, 40 assists, and 200 hits. Last season, in 78 games, he had 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points, along with 182 hits. By the end of the season, you could see how much Berube trusted him and leaned on him. Without Marner, he will be one of Berube’s go-to players, which should give him more chances to score and throw his weight around.

Last season,…