Toronto Maple Leafs: Full line combination predictions for 2018-19

By Simon Vacca | Aug 28, 2018

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 16: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs stands with his teammates before warm-up ahead of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Boston Bruins during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on April 16, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 23: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets his crease ready prior to action against the Boston Bruins in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup Play-offs at the Air Canada Centre on April 23, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 3-1.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Frederik Andersen /

Goaltending

Starter: Frederik Andersen

Backup: Curtis McElhinney

If the doubts surrounding the Maple Leafs can be trimmed down to one recurring subject of rumination, it is that of the question of starting goaltender Frederik Andersen’s workload. Are the Buds still in a position in which they will only go as far as their netminder takes them when the postseason approaches?

During the 2017-18 campaign, Andersen was, by and large, the busiest goaltender in the NHL. He faced 2211 shots and dressed for 66 appearances, but nevertheless managed to accumulate fairly strong totals (38 wins, 5 shutouts, .918 SV%, 2.81 GAA). Freddy’s 38th victory of the year on April 7, 2018 even allowed him to attain a franchise record for wins in a regular season by a Maple Leafs goaltender.

That said, the Buds’ first round exit at the hands of the Boston Bruins all but confirmed a thought that had become increasingly apparent. Andersen — the club’s most valuable player for one, if not two campaigns — had been overworked.

Heading into 2018-19, expect Andersen to be the organization’s undisputed starting goaltender. He has solidified his reputation as one of the NHL’s better players from between the pipes, and should almost definitely continue to occupy this position.

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It is not unreasonable, however, to assume that the Maple Leafs’ coaching staff will tinker with the extent to which they rely upon their starter. Backup Curtis McElhinney has consistently proven that he, too, can clock in tough minutes when called upon by his superiors. Calvin Pickard and Garret Sparks — both AHLers coming off outstanding seasons with the Marlies — are also yearning for an opportunity to demonstrate their value at the NHL level.

If the campaign plays out in a manner that brings spirit to fans’ most daring dreams, look for Andersen to enter into the ranks of Vezina consideration. Through marrying success with the right amount of rest, he may just wind up grasping hockey’s ultimate prize.

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