Tuesday’s FTB: The time to manage expectations is over

“There’s going to be pain here.”

Those words have been swimming within the minds of Leafs fans for the last three years and it’s safe to say a lot has changed since then. Mike Babcock went into his first season as Leafs coach with this:

15-16 Opening Night Lineup

Fast forward through two years of drafting, developing and success on the open market, and Babcock saw a serious upgrade.

17-18 Opening Night Roster

Throw in John Tavares, scramble things up a bit, and here’s a very loose guess at what the opening night roster may look like next season.

Possible 18-19 Lineup

In how many ways can you say “sick”?

Babcock and the Leafs have had the benefit of weaker lineups dictating the expectations for the upcoming season. The 15-16 roster had a giant ‘T’ for tank on it’s forehead while many were hoping for improvements from the young stars on the 17-18 squad. The playoffs would’ve been cool - and they were except for its finish - but seeing the likes of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner take a step forward would’ve been a lovely silver lining.

Now it’s different. This has been the best the Leafs have looked on paper in years. Management can try their best to control the message, but the fact of the matter is, the forward group pushes the mind towards imagining a deep playoff run.

The defence is a different story and will be addressed when the mystical Dubas (yeah, that’s what we’re calling him now) makes his move. And the thing is, the Leafs could very well walk into camp with that sample lineup I have above. It doesn’t mean that they’re a weaker team, I mean, they won 49 games with said blue line.

That said, Babcock is going to have his work cut out for him this season. Travis Dermott looks to be on the verge of breaking out, and who’s to say Justin Holl, Calle Rosen, Andreas Borgman don’t get another stint in the NHL? Maybe, just maybe Igor Ozhiganov has a good camp and catches the attention of the coaching staff.

It’ll be up to Babcock to take these players and turn them into pl’yrs. In other words, expectations are done with, it’s time for some results.

In Case You Missed It

Leafs promote from within, naming John Lilley Director of Amateur Scouting - Pension Plan Puppets
The former head of US scouting now runs the whole department.

The Schadenfreude Hockey League: Summertime Mockery Edition - Pension Plan Puppets
Schadenfreude: Mock Three. A word of advice: don’t drink coffee while reading this, especially when you get to Edmonton’s section.

NHL Atlantic Division Predictions: Lightning top Leafs, Bruins - Pension Plan Puppets
Taking a look at what the NHL’s Atlantic Division has in store for the 2018-19 season.

Toronto Maple Leafs top 25 under 25: Submit your list to win a Carlton the Bear bobblehead - Pension Plan Puppets
Get out there and vote, and make sure Connor Brown is your #1

Around the Hockey World

I’m not crying, YOU’RE CRYING!

Hey, remember...Alexei Zhamnov? - Stanley Cup of Chowder
One of the Bruins’ first marquee free agent signings of the new millennium, derailed by injury.

NHL Free Agency: The System Is Broken - Blueshirt Banter
Not enough star players actually make it to UFA status, and that needs to change for the game to grow.

Islanders sign Jan Kovar out of KHL Magnitogorsk - Lighthouse Hockey
Lou got the most recent KHL-buzz-generator in Jan Kovar to join the Islanders for the 2018-19 season.

Shootouts went well for the Devils but remains a challenge next season - All About The Jersey
Well this hits home for the Leafs.

Barzal eager for shot as No. 1 center of Islanders: report
See Islanders fans, you still have Mathew Barzal.

How much D-III talent will we see in the NWHL next season? - The Ice Garden
Emily Fluke recently became the first D-III alumna to sign for next season. How many more will follow?

Enjoy your Tuesday Leafs fans and sorry for the memories from the 15-16 season!

What result will you be satisfied with for the 18-19 season?