The Maple Leafs In My Opinion

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports It's been no secret that the Leafs ’  Achilles heel over the past two seasons has been their back end.  Heck, it's all everyone seems to be talking about.   Heading into the 2018-19 season, the Leafs defensive unit is projected to look something like this: Rielly-Hainsey Gardiner-Zaitsev Dermott-Carrick Extra: Holl, Ozhiganov While there are some nice pieces included in this group, it can certa i nly be better. Especially when you consider the team as a whole gave up the  third most shots against in the NHL  and Frederik Andersen had to  face the most shots and saves of any goalie  last season. Sure, perhaps the upgrade could come from within the Leafs system with guys like Holl and Ozhiganov vying for a spot ,  as mentioned earlier. There's al s o the possibility of signing a defenseman who has yet to land a contract in free agency  (Cody Franson reunion?) .  Perhaps ,  instead, it 

Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images With the dog days of both the offseason and summer in full swing, it's easy to just sit around and wait for the new season to start. Alternatively, there's the option of contemplating how the Leafs should sort out their lines come October. I decided to go with the latter option, but more specifically ,   to   focus on the  Buds’  special team units. As of August 10, we have a clear idea as to how the lines will shake   up. Mike Babcock said on the day John Tavares signed with the Leafs that he would be on a line with Mitch Marner and Zach Hyman, while Auston Matthews will play with William Nylander and Patrick Marleau. Here's how the rest of the starting lines will probably look like according to TSN. Not included: Tyler Ennis and Josh Jooris What isn't really known at this point, however, is what Babcock and the Leafs have planned for both the power play and penalty killing squads for 2018-19. Today, I decid