5 big questions facing the Maple Leafs in 2022-23

The Toronto Maple Leafs' training camp starts in a week. There are five big questions facing the team in 2022-23.

Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov are the new Maple Leafs goalkeepers. They have to prove themselves after losing their previous No. 1s. The last line of defence is the most important one in the NHL. Only four of hockey's 16 playoff teams qualified for the tournament with a save percentage below the median in 2021-22. Jack Campbell secured more NHL victories last season than Murray, Samsonova and their former clubs combined.

The Maple Leafs won 54 games last season. They finished with 115 points. 13 players registered career highs in points, including Ilya Lyubushkin, Ilyas Mikheyev, Ondrej Kase, Jason Spezza, Murray, Samsonov, Calle Järnkrok, Nicolas Aubé-Kubel and Adam Gaudette.

The Maple Leafs got thumped by the Sharks, Penguins and Hurricanes last October.

Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas are sticking with their head coach and core. The Leafs have failed to make the playoffs for the last six years. Duba's job is on the line every year. He feels the pressure to deliver for his team and the organization. If the team doesn't start well, panic could percolate well before Game 7.

Matthew Knies should pick a colour for his cape. Assistant GM Brendon Pridham's balance sheet could benefit from homegrown players.

Nick Robertson is expected to make a permanent leap to the NHL. Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin are also expected by Leaf Nation to play well. Matthew Knies is a new hope for the team.

The Maple Leafs have been out of the playoffs for 18 years. Jon Cooper believes they can win the title. The team has a hell of a team. They have a good team, but they haven't got over the hump yet.

Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares are the favourites to win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Justin Holl and Alexander Kerfoot are free agents. Zach Aston-Reese's PTO will lead to a roster spot.