Toronto Maple Leafs: Things to watch and bold predictions for 2019

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter 2019 with high expectations with some players contending for individual awards and the team looking to get over the hump in the playoffs.

While 2018 might not have ended the way the Toronto Maple Leafs would have hoped, it is tough to be disappointed with a team that is second in the league in points with a 26-11-2 record.

The Leafs return from a rare break which gives the chance to refresh especially Frederik Andersen who has missed the past two games with a groin injury. Mike Babcock told reporters that he’s not sure if his starting goaltender will be able to return which could be a big storyline to follow to start the year.

Zach Hyman and Tyler Ennis are still out of the lineup which means Trevor Moore will continue to show what he can do or if not, another young forward with the Toronto Marlies will get their shot. It will also be interesting to see how the Marlies season plays out and whether any other players get promoted down the road like Timothy Liljegren.

As the season goes along there will be many storylines to follow like whether William Nylander gets back on track and whether the team makes a deal at the deadline for a defenceman. In his first trade deadline as a general manager, Kyle Dubas could decide to make the move Lou Lamoriello wasn’t willing to make.

With that being said, here are some predictions and things to watch in 2019.