Hope springs eternal for diehard hockey fans, and Toronto Maple Leafs fans are some of the most hopeful in the game. Despite not having much to cheer about over the past decade, Leafs fans remain some of the most loyal and passionate in the entire league.
Lean years are ahead, but the club does have some promising youngsters. There seems to be a commitment to allowing these players to develop and ensuring that the minor league system is a high priority.
Club president Brendan Shanahan played in one of the best organizations in hockey, at least in recent years, by playing with the Detroit Red Wings.