It’s the end of August and with September around the corner, the NHL season is about to get underway with training camps and then the start of the 2025-26 season. Much like last season, there were a lot of changes to the Toronto Maple Leafs roster as they look to change their identity. They lost a star winger and made the necessary changes to try and continue to construct the roster they see fit with a number of new faces in the fold.
Like any season, comes bold predictions for what the season can hold. We already started to kick that off here at The Hockey Writers, so why not add some more bold takes for the Maple Leafs this season. Here are four more bold takes for the upcoming season.
Nylander Hits and Surpasses the 100-point mark
With one of the Maple Leafs 100-point players gone in Mitch Marner, it’s now William Nylander’s stage, as he’s now the team’s top right winger. Whether he can move up to the top line or stay on the second line remains to be seen, he’s going to be relied on to be just as productive as Marner. He’s definitely poised for another big season as this could be the year where he hits the 100-point mark.
Since 2022-23, Nylander has had three-straight 40-goal seasons, including a career-best 45 last season. He has been one of the most productive in the league as he’s 11th overall with 269 points, 17 points behind Marner. With captain Auston Matthews being the only other player to reach that mark recently, Nylander can definitely reach that plateau as well. He was just shy of that mark in 2023-24 as he had 98 points.
Given how Nylander can generate chances in the offensive zone at five-on-five, his shot and ability to find the open ice on the power play and awareness to sneak behind defenders undetected with his speed and be in on a breakaway, he’s a constant dangerous offensive producer. He always seems to elevate his game and find a new level. Seeing as he has been on the penalty kill in the past, he can use that to his advantage more to produce in all situations. His production dipped to 84 points last season, but he’s still capable of hitting the century mark.
Maccelli Gets 60-70 points
With Marner not in the fold anymore, the Maple Leafs also…
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