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2013-14 results: 38-36-8, sixth in Atlantic
Story line: The Shanahan era begins in Toronto
Arrivals: President Brendan Shanahan, D Roman Polak (trade with St. Louis Blues), RW Matt Frattin (trade with Columbus Blue Jackets), D Stephane Robidas, LW David Booth, Cs Daniel Winnik, Mike Santorelli, Leo Komarov (free agents)
Departures: D Carl Gunnarsson (traded to Blues), C Dave Bolland (signed with Florida Panthers), LW Nikolai Kulemin (signed with New York Islanders), LW Mason Raymond (signed with Calgary Flames), C Jay McClement and D Tim Gleason (signed with Carolina Hurricanes), D Paul Ranger (signed in Switzerland)
Goaltending: Jonathan Bernier (26-19-7, 2.68, .923) and James Reimer (12-6-1, 3.29, .911) are officially competing for the No. 1 job, though Bernier is the prohibitive favorite.
Analysis: Shanahan wanted time to study the Maple Leafs before making dramatic decisions. He retained GM Dave Nonis and coach Randy Carlyle but did change up the assistant GMs and assistant coaches. Toronto hopes it addressed a major concern by bringing in two veteran, feisty defensemen. The sloppy Maple Leafs ranked 26th in goals against and last in shots allowed, 35.9 a game. On the plus side, Phil Kessel is among the NHL's most dangerous scorers. Leading Toronto's wish list: a premium center.
Breakthrough candidate: D Morgan Rielly's role should expand this season. He's crucial to the Maple Leafs' hope of someday having an efficient, leak-proof defense.
Youngster to watch: C William Nylander, son of former NHL player Michael Nylander, has an outside shot of making the club. He has some magic in his hands.
What the team really needs: RW David Clarkson to be an offensive force, not the five-goal scorer he was last season. The Maple Leafs need much more from a $5.25 million player.
Key question: Is Carlyle the most likely coach to be fired? He is vulnerable if the Maple Leafs emerge slowly from the gate. With Shanahan playing the role of the new sheriff in the town, everyone is on the hot seat.
Forecast: This might sound like a script from the 1950s, but the Leafs will battle the Canadiens and Red Wings for a playoff spot. They likely will lose that race.
Top returning leaders
Goals: Phil Kessel, 37
Assists: Kessel, 43
Points: Kessel, 80
Plus-minus: Troy Bodie, +6
Penalty minutes: Dion Phaneuf, 144
Shots: Kessel, 305
Projected Eastern Conference standings
CBS Sports Fantasy Hockey / Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup 2014 Champions
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