Can the big name acquisition make them a Stanley Cup threat?
Does the acquisition launch the Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division?
Although John Tavares is a great player, don't forget that the Maple Leafs have lost Tyler Bozak (to the St. Louis Blues), they're leading goal scorer in 2017, James van Riemsdyk (to the Philadelphia Flyers), Tomas Plekanec (to the Montreal Canadiens), and Leo Komarov (to the New York Islanders). The Lightning are still largely intact, but really why they will stay above Toronto is they're defense and goaltending. The Lightning might have the best back line in the NHL, starring Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and many more elite defenseman. Also they're goalie, Andrei Vasilevsky, is easily a top five goalie in the NHL. Toronto's backline is a bit thin, and I don't have much faith in an unreliable Frederik Andersen.
Will the Maple Leafs get out of the first round of the playoffs?
Once again Toronto will face the Boston Bruins in the first round, but this time, they will defeat their division rivals. Toronto's offense will be too much for the Bruins too handle, and the Leafs will make it out of the first round for the first time since 2004.
"I'm thrilled to be starting a new chapter of my career and life in Toronto with the @MapleLeafs
--John Tavares informed the world of his decision with a twitter message on July 1st
Will Toronto win a Stanley Cup in the next five years?
That's a tough one. Five years is tight. With Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner just twenty and twenty one respectively, the Leafs have plenty of time. Also, Toronto has inked Tavares to a seven year deal. Where they stand right now, I don't think they'll win a Cup within the next five years. While saying that though, if they can sure up they're backline a little, they will certainly be a threat.