Toronto Maple Leafs 2021-22 Predictions, Betting Odds and Season Preview
The Maple Leafs put together a respectable 35-14-7 record to claim the top seed in last year’s North Division. They frustrated bettors a bit last season as they were pretty bad against the spread only covering in 22 of the 56 games.
Looking Back
Superstar Auston Matthews won his first Maurice the Rocket Richard Trophy, goalie Jack Campbell went 11-0 to start the year, a franchise record and the regular season was a breeze in Toronto. In round one they met their long-time rival the Montreal Canadiens and after taking a commanding three games to one lead, they choked it.
Key Acquisitions and Moves
Toronto’s offseason was relatively quiet this summer with GM Kyle Dubas only making pick-ups via free agency. They inked hometown forwards Nick Ritchie and Michael Bunting on two-year deals, who both look like they may fill holes in the top six. Ritchie’s teammate in Boston, Ondrej Kase also joined the team along with David Kampf and goaltender Petr Mrazek.
The Leafs will miss the grit of winger Zach Hyman who added a good balance to their top line, he signed a huge contract out west with the Oilers. Joe Thornton continues his quest for a cup elsewhere in Florida and their backstop over the past five seasons, Frederik Andersen went to Carolina.
NHL Betting Odds – Futures, Props
Right now, the Buds are second-favourites for the cup in the East with odds at +1000. They are +550 to win the conference and +205 to take the Atlantic division behind Tampa Bay. Their last playoff series win was back 2004, so a good regular season line is +587 for the Leafs to win the Presidents trophy or the over/under on season points at 106.5.
The NHL Props board has a Leafs player available on almost every line. Matthews is the favourite for the Maurice the Rocket Richard trophy with odds at +326, you can also take him for the Hart memorial Trophy at +626. His linemate Mitch Marner joins him at +2000 for the Hart, while Morgan Rielly is a +2400 for the James Norris Trophy. 26-year-old Michael Bunting is about to enter his rookie season and is a +1800 for the Calder Trophy joined by 20-year-old Nick Robertson at +2000.
Maple Leafs 2021 Season Prediction
On paper the Maple Leafs took a step back this year, but they should have enough strength up front to push for top spot in the Atlantic Division. Matthews is out with a wrist injury during the preseason, but if hes 100 percent healthy, he should be able to defend his title as the NHL’s top goal scorer. Michael Bunting is interesting too, as most rookies are 20-year-olds when they enter the league but Bunting is 26. His maturity and strength could give him a similar edge to last years winner Kirill Kaprizov.