It’s Gameday! The Maple Leafs take on the 0-4 Montreal Canadiens at 7:30 pm ET, ahead of the second part of a home-and-home on Wednesday. Someone should tell the Habs that there is no need for tanking in the preseason.

Team point projections are starting to be released, and these models place the Leafs in the 95-98 point range:

For reference, the Leafs posted exactly 95 points last season. I’m hopeful that a better shootout record, improved depth, and an extra year of development can propel this team over the 100 point mark. However, it is going to be difficult to sustain the same level of health.

Today’s Links

In Case You Missed It

Back to Excited Episode 5: Training Camp Battles- Acting the Fulemin & Arvind

I will be listening to this podcast on my commute today. Our writers discuss Toronto’s recent additions in Patrick Marleau and Ron Hainsey, as well as the battle on the third pairing.

Ian Scott injured in the Price Albert Raiders home opener- Katya Knappe

Toronto’s first 2017 4th round pick suffered a lower body injury during a 3-0 loss.

European Report: Development is a tough road that isn’t a straight line- Katya Knappe

A look at how Toronto’s prospects are performing overseas.

The Penguins Stand with Trump- Phylliskessel13

The Penguins are set to visit The White House as the Stanley Cup Champions, even if the NBA champion Golden State Warriors do not.

From the Branches

Sunday Habs Headlines: Claude Julien isn’t ruling out Victor Mete claiming a roster spot- Justin Blades, Habs Eyes on the Prize

Mete played with Mitch Marner in London, and he just missed my Top 30 ahead of the 2016 NHL draft. He ended up going 100th overall to the Montreal Canadiens, just one pick ahead of Keaton Middleton. He is a top-end skater, and I expect him to be on Canada’s World Junior team.

Fabbri to miss rest of camp after re-injuring knee- St.Louis Blues Press Release, NHL.com

This is a tough break for Fabbri, who played just 51 games last season. Patrik Berglund and Jay Bouwmeester are also injured, so the Blues will be awfully shorthanded to start the season.

The Leafs Geeks Podcast – Gamblers Anonymous with Dom Luszczyszyn- Ian Tolloch, The Leafs Nation

This podcast will definitely be a part of my commute this week, and both writers are excellent to follow on twitter. They discuss team point projections and what to expect ahead of the 2017-2018 season.

Competition for roster spots getting tighter as Leafs down Sabres - Kristen Shilton, TSN

A spot on Toronto’s roster is officially hard to come by. Calle Rosen is spending a lot of time alongside Connor Carrick, and it is certainly possible that he has an edge.

How good (or bad) does a QB need to be to land a TV job?- Neil Paine, FIveThirtyEight

Tony Romo is now my favourite commentator in sports. FiveThirtyEight tells us that his move to the broadcast booth may have been predictable.

From The Branches