Toronto Maple Leafs 2021 season preview and predictions

Toronto Maple Leafs 2021 Season Prediction # 2: Andersen remains X-Factor

No matter what additions or subtractions the Leafs make, they will go as far as Frederik Andersen takes them.

Having Jack Campbell behind him on the depth chart should hopefully push the Leafs starter to get off to a better start than he has in past seasons. It’s also a crucial year for Andersen as he is entering the final year of his deal and could be in for a big payday when you consider how many teams can use a stable stater.

The Leafs’ netminder has never complained about the high workload in the past season but considering the condensed schedule and more game against the Western Canadian teams, Andersen won’t have much of a choice about how much rest he gets.

Seeing how he performed against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL’s return to play, the Leafs cannot waste a strong performance from Andersen. At the same time, they cannot afford a subpar effort from him when playoff time comes around.

Some might wonder if Sheldon Keefe would consider playing Campbell over Andersen if he struggles but that’s not something the team should be considering. The ideal scenario would be to have Andersen’s play dictate what happens going forward especially if the Leafs are still debating whether to try and extend him.