The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised everyone two years ago by making the playoffs and last year they surprised their fans who thought that they were pretty much a lock to return but fell a few points shy of the 8th and final playoff spot. During this past off-season the Leafs held steady except for signing a few role players to round out their forward lines by inking one-time Leaf Matt Frattin and also Mike Santorelli. The belief is that the existing core of forwards will improve and take that next step.  Gone is Nikolai Kulemin. The Leafs also kept their goaltending duo of Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer intact, both of whom should improve upon last season's numbers. GOALIES In what many believed was to be a 50-50 split in games started between Bernier and Reimer, it was Bernier who basically won over the starting job as he started in 49 of the 55 games he played in. In his first stint as a starter, Bernier posted a 26-19-7 record with a 2.69 GAA and a .923 SP.  Not great, but a better than Reimer's numbers of 3.29 and .911 respectively.  Expect Bernier to get the lion's share of starts this season.  There were rumors that Reimer would be traded but for now, he is a more than qualified backup to Bernier. DEFENSE There wasn't much change on defense during the summer except for the free-agent signing of former Dallas D-man Stephane Robidas. Robidas should bring more veteran presence to the blueline along with Dion Phaneuf. Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner, as well as Cody Franson, should give the best chances at production. There has been word that Gardiner will assume more of an offensive responsibility, and if that is the case and Rielly progresses, Franson's numbers could take a hit. With this defense corps, you probably would see high offensive production, but each of the top four could get approximately 40 points each. FORWARDS There is no doubt that Phil Kessel is the go-to guy on this squad. Kessel was on pace to surpass his best season high in points of 82 amassed in 2011-2012 but fell short because of a dry spell he hit towards the end of last season.  Expect his production to progress a little more, possibly into the 90's as he is hitting his prime.  IF you miss out on Kessel, don't let James van Riemsdyk slip too far as he is ready for another jump in points. Last season saw his point totals hit 61 with 30 goals.   I'm sure the Flyers are wishing they had him back now.  CenterTyler Bozak enjoyed having Kessel on his wing, so much so that he posted a career high of 49 points. Expect that chemistry to continue this year that should result in a tiny boost in numbers for Bozak.  If you followed the Leafs closely last season you would have thought that Nazem Kadri had a terrible year. He posted a career high of 50 points, although the year before he scored 44 in 48 games during the Lockout season, so I guess everyone was expecting a close to point-per-game pace.  If he applies himself, he does possess that type of talent, but hasn't shown in to date over a full regular season.  David Clarkson should rebound to more normal levels which is somewhere around the mid-30's. Peter Holland will be interesting to watch as he gains some NHL experience, but may be another year or two away. He was a 30+ goal scorer in the OHL with Guelph so you know he can tickle the twine.  Frattin and Santorelli were brought into round out the forward lines and provide secondary scoring.  Joffrey Lupul has stretches of amazing scoring sprees but is mind-boggling how he can't stay away from the infirmary. Always taking a chance with Lupul; a high-risk, high-reward player. PROSPECTS The Leafs have some decent talent on the farm, led by Connor Brown and this year's 1st round pick Willie Nylander. Brown went 45-83 -128 in 68 games for the Erie Otters of the OHL.  There is speculation that Nylander could land with the big club, but I see at least one year in the minors as there is no need to rush any of their young talent.  Brown may also need some more seasoning in the minors.  Gregg McKegg and Josh Leivo have the skills but will be hard to crack the lineup, but may be the first ones called up if need be. We don't expect any of these to make an impact for the upcoming year, but keep an eye on Nylander as there is some chatter going on. Overall Fantasy Outlook The Maple Leafs seem to have their goaltending solidified for the next few years at least with Bernier as the starter. He clearly proved himself in his first year with Toronto.  The defense has a good mix of veterans (Phaneuf, Gleason & Robidas) and young talent (Gardiner, Rielly & Franson) on the backend with some of the young talent ready to assume more responsibility on both the defensive and offensive side of the puck. Kessel and JVR are the two top guns with Bozak benefitting as the top line center.  Kadri is ready for a breakout, and if not this year, then next.  Holland is a year or two away from making more of an impact if he can get the minutes.  For the fans, it may be another year before they see the Blue 7 White in the playoffs again.