Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 predictions for the 2018-19 season

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TORONTO,ON – SEPTEMBER 21: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets set to play his 1st home game against the Buffalo Sabres in an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Tavares edges Marner as leading scorer

This might not seem like an outrageous prediction but many see the playmaking Marner brings especially on the power play and think he’s the favourite to lead the Leafs in scoring.

However, you have to take Tavares’ track record into account and the main recipient of plays from Marner along with his own ability to generate scoring chances. The main difference between Marner and Tavares that will likely be the deciding factor is Tavares’ ability to finish and having Marner will only help.

It seems unfair to say a linemate will outscore another considering how much they’ll probably play together but it’s not the worst thing to hope one player can elevate the other like Marner could with Tavares

While Marner will be motivated to try and earn a big payday, Tavares will be looking to justify the commitment the Leafs made to him and that means Babcock leaning on his star centre in different situations or double shifting him when he needs to.
Tavares could probably crack 90 points for the first time in his NHL career and Marner wouldn’t be too far behind with around 80.

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